Last updated: July, 2008
This is a collection of interactive computer models and simulations of common analytical instruments and techniques. Most have a point-and-click interface; you click buttons and drag sliders to control variables and the model responds dynamically, usually faster than real time. I originally designed these models for students in my courses in Instrumental Analysis (an undergraduate laboratory course) and Spectrochemical Methods (a graduate lecture-based course). They were designed to be used by individual students either as homework assignments, for in-class use in a computer lab environment, or in the laboratory for the analysis of student-generated data. Some can be used by the instructor in lecture-demonstration environments. Student assignment handouts are attached to most of them. The mathematical basis for each model is described, including all cell definitions and equations. These spreadsheets make extensive use of named cells (variables), which makes the equations easier to understand (as compared to row-colunm references).
WingZ Versions
These models were
originally developed in WingZ (.WKZ) format, a 90's vintage
object-oriented spreadsheet with a built-in macro language. This is
still a useful format, especially for older, smaller, or slower
computers, because the spreadsheets and the WingZ program have a very
modest memory footprint and operate very quickly. To open the WKZ files
you'll need a "player" application; the player is available for both
PCs and Mac and is included in the following file archives:
You must download this player application to be able to open the WKZ files. Make sure that ALL of the files in this download are kept in the same folder. Put any separately downloaded model files (.wkz files) in the same folder. To run a model, first launch Wingz.exe, then open the WKZ files from within Wingz (File --> Open). (To get WingZ to launch when you double-click a WKZ file, you'd have to enter WKZ as a new file type in Tools => Folder Options => File types). Note: It is best to download the basic set of models initially, to make sure that you have all the pieces needed, then check back here occasionally for new models, which can be downloaded individually.
OpenOffice Calc and Excel Versions
Most of the models are also available in the OpenOffice Calc spreadsheet format (part of the
OpenOffice Suite, which is available for free download from OpenOffice.org for both PCs and Macs) and in the Excel (.xls) format (for which you most own a copy of Microsoft Excel).
 Color Temperature of a Blackbody Source | Animated Diffraction Grating |  Photomultiplier Light Measurement System |  Monochromator |
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 Error propagation in Analytical Calibration |
 Multiwavelength Spectrometry |
 Lock-in Amplifier |
 Wavelength modulation system |
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 U.V.-Visible Spectrophotometer |
 Dual Wavelength Spectrophotometer |
 Instrumental Deviations from Beer's Law |
Scanning Fluorescence Spectrometer |
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Signal-to-noise ratio of absorption spectrophotometry |
 Effect of Slit Width on Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Absorption Spectroscopy |
 Fluorescence Spectroscopy Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
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 Signal and Photon SNR of Atomic Emission Spectrometer |  Effect of Slit Width on Emission Spectroscopy SNR |  Line Wing Overlap |  Spectroscopy of Atomic Absorption |
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 Calcium Ion Selective Electrode model |  Resolution of Capillary Chromatography |  Discrete Equilibrium Chromatography Model |
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 Triprotic Titration Data Analysis |  Monoprotic Titration Curve model |
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If you have suggestions for other models like these that you would like to see developed, please email me at toh@umd.edu
"I was able to get everything working nicely and can promise you they will be helpful with my students."
"Today I had the first simulation experiment and the students were excited... The lab was much more interesting than the lecture, this is for sure!...I had very good feedback from students..."