Virtual ChemLab

Fundamental Properties of Gases

  



Brigham Young University

Table of Contents

Overview ..................................................................................................................1

The Gases Laboratory ...........................................................................................3

Quick Start ..........................................................................................................3
The Simulation.....................................................................................................5
Overview ........................................................................................................5
Experiments ...................................................................................................6
Gas Equations.................................................................................................7
Laboratory...........................................................................................................8
Operating the Gas Regulator.......................................................................... 10
Using the Experiments .................................................................................. 10
The Balloon Experiment............................................................................ 10
The Pressure Experiment.......................................................................... 12
The Temperature Experiment ................................................................... 13
The Cylinder Experiment .......................................................................... 14
LCD Controllers............................................................................................. 15
Pull-Down TV................................................................................................ 16
Reset Buttons ............................................................................................... 17
Saving Data.................................................................................................. 17
Stockroom ......................................................................................................... 17
Overview ...................................................................................................... 17
Selecting Experiments ................................................................................... 18
Preset Experiments ....................................................................................... 19
Assignments ................................................................................................. 19
Lab Book ........................................................................................................... 20

The Electronic Lab Book ..................................................................................... 21

Overview ........................................................................................................... 21
Typing/Editing Notes and Inserting Links............................................................. 22
Navigation ......................................................................................................... 22
Functions........................................................................................................... 23
Reporting .......................................................................................................... 24
Web Options......................................................................................................26

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Overview
Welcome to Virtual ChemLab: Gases, a set of simulated physical chemistry experiments that
demonstrate the behavior of ideal, real, and van der Waals gases under varying experimental
conditions. The principles governing the behavior of gases, together with the mathematical
relationships describing this behavior, are important concepts that are relevant in many fields of
chemistry and physics. As in all Virtual ChemLab laboratories, the main focus of the gases
laboratory is to allow students the ability to explore and discover, in a safe and level-appropriate
setting, the concepts and ideas that are important in the study of gas properties.

The gas experiments included in the Virtual ChemLab simulated laboratory allow students to
explore and better understand the behavior of ideal gases, real gases, and van der Waals gases (a
model real gas). The gases laboratory contains four experiments each of which includes the four
variables used to describe a gas: pressure (P), temperature (T), volume (V), and the number of
moles (n). The four experiments differ by allowing one of these variables to be the dependent
variable while the others are independent. The four experiments include (1) V as a function of P,
T, and n using a balloon to reflect the volume changes; (2) P as a function of V, T, and n using a
motor driven piston; (3) T as a function of P, V, and n again using a motor driven piston; and (4)
V as a function of P, T, and n but this time using a frictionless, massless piston to reflect volume
changes and using weights to apply pressure. The gases that can be used in these experiments
include an ideal gas; a van der Waals gas whose parameters can be changed to represent any real
gas; real gases including N2, CO2, CH4, H2O, NH3, and He; and eight ideal gases with different
molecular weights that can be added to the experiments to form gas mixtures.

The Virtual ChemLab simulations are available in a network version, a single user or student
version, or a CD-Only version. In the network version (a typical computer lab installation)
electronic assignments and notebook submissions are handled directly through the local area
network or via the web through the web connectivity option. In the single user or student version,
there is assumed to be no internet connection to receive assignments or submit results;
consequently, the simulations are limited to using paper assignments contained in the Virtual
ChemLab workbooks or using assignments written by your instructor. However, a student
version can be enabled to use the web connectivity option, which enables the exchange of
electronic assignments and notebook results using a regular internet connection. In the CD-Only
version, Virtual ChemLab can be run directly off the CD without having to be installed on a hard
drive. The CD-Only version comes packaged only with textbooks and cannot be enabled to use
electronic assignments. The CD-Only version is designed explicitly to use workbooks that are
included with the text. For increased speed the contents of the Virtual ChemLab CD can be
copied to and run from the hard drive.

Please note that this users guide provides information principally for the network or web-enabled
version of Virtual ChemLab. While reading through the users guide, keep in mind that a student
version and CD-Only version of the software are almost identical to a network version except for
two main differences. (1) In both student and CD-Only versions, the hallway contains an
electronic workbook from which students select experiments that correspond to assignments in
their accompanying real workbooks. Details on using the electronic workbook are given in the
Getting Started section of the real workbook. (2) In the initial installed configuration for a
student version, no electronic assignments can be given or received, although preset and practice

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unknowns will be available. Note, however, that a student version can be converted to a web-
enabled version by turning on the web connectivity option and creating a local user account.
Details on the web connectivity option can be found in the electronic lab book section of this
manual.

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The Gases Laboratory

Figure 1. The hallway leading into the different virtual rooms in Virtual ChemLab. The
Organic Chemistry door accesses the virtual organic laboratory, the Stockroom door
accesses the Instructor Utilities, and the General Chemistry door accesses five
different general chemistry laboratories.

Quick Start
From the hallway (Figure 1), click on the General Chemistry door and enter your password. If
you do not know your password, contact your instructor. If you are receiving assignments
through a regular internet connection either at home or in a computer lab (instead of a direct
client/server connection), you will need to first create a local user account for the current
computer you are using by clicking on the Add New User button. To add a new user, you will
need to provide your user ID, password, and the URL address for your web connection. These
will be provided by your instructor. This only needs to be done once for each computer you use.

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If you do not need to receive electronic assignments, click on the Guest button on the card reader
to gain access to the laboratory.

If your version contains an electronic workbook on a table in the hallway, you can enter the
general chemistry laboratory by clicking on the General Chemistry door or by clicking on the
electronic workbook and selecting an experiment. If you must activate yourself as a user to
receive electronic assignments from your instructor, click on the General Chemistry door and
once inside the laboratory click on any lab book and select the Web Options button. Details on
how to use the web connectivity feature are found in the Electronic Lab Book section below.

Once in the laboratory (shown in Figure 2), you will find five different laboratory benches that
represent five different general chemistry laboratories. Mousing over each of these laboratory
benches pops up the name of the selected laboratory. To access the gases laboratory, click the
table to the left of the gas cylinders. On the far right-hand side of the room there is a chalkboard
used to display messages from the instructor or display a summary of assignments. If one or
more messages are available from the instructor, the text Messages will be displayed
repeatedly on the chalkboard. Clicking on the chalkboard will bring up a larger image of the
chalkboard where messages and assignments can be viewed. Messages can be deleted by
clicking on the eraser.

Figure 2. The general chemistry laboratory. The general chemistry laboratory contains five
different laboratories, each of which is accessed by clicking on the appropriate lab
bench. The chalkboard to the right in the laboratory is used to access messages from
the instructor and to see a summary of assignments.

Once inside the gases laboratory, go to the stockroom counter by clicking on the stockroom
window. Located inside the stockroom are the four different gas experiments as well as a
clipboard containing a set of predefined experiments. The four experiments are labeled using the

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variable that is dependent and the variables that are independent for the given experiment. Since
the first and last experiments both have volume as a dependent variable, there is an additional
identification describing how the volume changes are reflected in the experiment (balloon or
cylinder). An experiment is selected by clicking on the appropriate hoist controller above the
indicated label. Once the hoist has pulled up the experiment, it can be taken to the laboratory by
clicking on the arrow on the hoist controller or by clicking on the green Return to Lab arrow.

After the experiment is on the table, any real gas, a van der Waals gas, or any combination of
ideal gases can be put into the experiment by clicking on the appropriate cylinder. The selected
gas is added to an experiment by clicking the Open Valve button on the regulator. The blue and
red arrow buttons, also located on the gas regulator, are used to adjust the regulator pressure as
shown on the pressure gauge on the left. Once gas has been added to an experiment and the
regulator is turned off by clicking on the Close Valve button, the user can zoom into the
experiment by clicking on the apparatus and can then change the values of the independent
variables using the levers on the LCD controllers. The units for the different variables can be
changed by clicking on the Units button on each LCD controller. Clicking the Reset Lab button
on the experiment will empty the experiment of any gas and return the LCD controllers to their
default state.

Other important items in the laboratory include the pull-down TV in the upper right-hand corner
where Help and electronic assignments are accessed. The electronic lab book is accessed by
clicking on the lab book lying on the table. The lab book is used to record procedures,
observations, and conclusions. P, V, T, and n data from the different experiments can be saved to
the lab book by clicking on the Save button located on each experiment. This data is saved in the
form of links that can be opened and then copied and pasted into a spreadsheet program for
further calculations and graphing. The general chemistry laboratory is accessed by clicking on
the exit sign.

The Simulation
Overview
The primary purpose of the gases simulation is to teach the concepts and fundamental principles
that led to an understanding of the properties of gases. As is usually the case, these concepts and
principles were discovered or elucidated by a series of experiments that were developed and
carried out over a period of many years by some of the great minds of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Modern experiments involving gases most often require equipment that is not readily available in
typical instructional laboratories.

In Virtual ChemLab: Gases, experiments are performed in a framework consistent with the other
Virtual ChemLab simulations; that is, the student is put into a virtual environment where they are
free to choose their equipment and build a conceptual experiment of their own design and then
experience the resulting consequences. The focus in the gases simulation is how the four
variables that are used to describe gases, namely pressure, volume, temperature, and the number
of moles, are related to and affect each other. An additional focus of the simulations is to
investigate the differences between ideal, van der Waals, and real gases. The observation and

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manipulation of data to make conclusions about the behavior of gases is the ultimate goal of
these simulations.

In general, the simulated experiments in Virtual ChemLab: Gases are based on the
interdependence of the four variables used to describe and represent the properties of gases (P, V,
T, and n). The simulation contains four experiments, each of which focuses on a different
variable as the dependent variable (except for n which is always an independent variable). The
individual experiments are identified in the stockroom using signs placed underneath four
separate hoist controllers. The hoist controllers are used to select and bring out to the laboratory
an experimental apparatus corresponding to one of the four experiments. The labels on the signs
have the form V = f (P, T), which, for example, indicates that the volume is the dependent
variable and pressure, temperature, and the number of moles are the independent variables. The
four experiments in the simulations are (1) V = f (P, T) (balloon), (2) P = f (V, T), (3) T = f (P, V),
and (4) V = f (P, T) (cylinder). Both the first and last experiments have volume as the dependent
variable, but the first experiment uses a balloon to reflect the changes in volume and the last
experiment uses a frictionless, massless piston. Details on these experiments and the assumptions
used in the simulation are given below. A description of the gases and the equations of state used
in the simulations are also given.

Experiments
V = f (P, T); The Balloon Experiment. In this experiment,
a balloon is used to reflect the changes in volume as the
pressure, temperature, or number of moles are adjusted.
The balloon is considered to be a perfect balloon in that it
exerts no pressure on the gas inside. In other words, the
balloon is a perfect transfer medium for the external
pressure in the experimental chamber. Adjusting the
pressure and temperature changes the pressure and
temperature of the inert, ideal gas inside the chamber.
Changing the number of moles changes the number of
moles of the select gas inside the balloon.

P = f (V, T); The Pressure Experiment. In this

experiment, a motor driven piston is used to change the
volume and a pressure transducer is used to measure the
resulting effects on the pressure. The temperature of the
cylinder can also be adjusted. Changing the number of
moles changes the number of moles of gas inside the
cylinder. The volume of the cylinder can be adjusted
between 0 and 4 L. There are no significant assumptions
made in this experiment.

T = f (P, V); The Temperature Experiment. A motor

driven piston is used again to change the volume, but in
this experiment the resulting temperature change is
measured as a consequence of the volume and pressure

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changes. This is actually a somewhat virtual experiment since there is no practical method
available to change the pressure in a constant volume, constant mole experiment or to change the
volume keeping the pressure and number of moles constant. The purpose of this experiment,
however, is to show the effects on temperature as the pressure, volume, and number of moles are
changed.

V = f (P, T); The Cylinder Experiment. This experiment is

similar to the balloon experiment in that the volume is
dependent on changes in pressure, temperature, and the
number of moles of gas. However, in this experiment, the
selected gas (ideal, real, or van der Waals) is added to the
experimental chamber and then a sample of gas is trapped
in the cylinder when a frictionless, massless piston is
placed on top of the cylinder. The number of moles of gas
trapped in the cylinder is determined by the temperature
and pressure of the gas in the chamber at the time the
piston is placed on the cylinder. The walls of the cylinder
are rigid, consequently, pressure can only be exerted on the gas in the cylinder through the
piston. This is accomplished by either adjusting the external pressure of the gas in the chamber
or by placing weights on the piston. The piston can only be removed when there are no weights
on the piston and when the piston is at the top of the cylinder. The only assumption in this
experiment is that the piston is both frictionless and massless. For some calculations it will be
necessary to know that the cylinder diameter is 15 cm and the cylinder height is 40 cm.

Gas Equations
The gases that can be used in the four experiments include an ideal gas; a van der Waals gas
whose a and b parameters can be adjusted to model any real gas; and the real gases N2, CO2,
CH4, H2O, NH3, and He. In addition, mixtures of ideal gases of varying molecular weights can
also be added to the balloon experiment, the pressure experiment, and the temperature
experiment.

When an ideal gas is used in any of the experiments, the ideal gas equation, PV = nRT, is used to
perform the necessary calculations for the pressure, volume, and temperature. Similarly, when a
van der Waals gas is used in the experiments, the van der Waals equation of state,
 n2 
 P + a 2 (V
nb ) = nRT , is used to perform the calculations where the a and b parameters
 V 
must be in units of L
atm. For ideal gas mixtures, Daltons Law of Partial Pressure is used to
calculate the partial pressure of each gas in the mixture. For the real gases, the most accurate and
sophisticated equations of state available were used in the calculations. The equation of state
specified in The NBS/NRC Steam Tables (L. Haar et. al, Hemisphere Publishing, Washington,
1984) was used for H2O, and the equations of state found in Thermodynamic Properties in SI
(W.C. Reynolds, Stanford University, Stanford, 1979) were used for the remaining real gases.

The actual limits of validity of the real equations of state, as implemented in the simulation, are
quite complicated; but, in general terms, the equations are generally valid from the triple point,

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following the liquid-vapor line to the critical point, and then into the supercritical region to a
relatively high temperature and pressure. For the real gases, these maximum pressure and
temperature limits are as follows: N2, 200 MPa and 1200 K; CO2, 20 MPa and 1000 K; CH4, 4.5
MPa and 400 K; H2O, 1500 MPa and 1273 K; NH3, 20 MPa and 660 K; and He, 100 MPa and
1500 K. Both the ideal gas and van der Waals gas are valid up to 1000 MPa and 3000 K in the
simulation.

Figure 3. The virtual gases laboratory. Each of the different parts of the main laboratory are
labeled. See below for more details.

Laboratory
Overview
The essential features of the laboratory (shown in Figure 3) are described as follows starting
from the upper left hand corner of the lab and proceeding clockwise.

Stockroom. Clicking on the stockroom window brings the user to the stockroom counter.
While at the stockroom counter, any one of the four gas experiments can be selected and

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 brought out to the laboratory. The clipboard hanging in the stockroom can also be clicked to
select preset experiments or accept an assignment.

Pull-Down TV. In the upper right-hand corner of the laboratory is a small handle that, when
clicked, pulls down a TV that can display information in two different modes. In assignment
mode, the TV displays the assignment text for the currently accepted assignment. This is
intended to allow easy reference to the assignment while performing the work in the virtual
laboratory. When an assignment has not been accepted, the assignment mode is left blank. In
help mode, the TV lists the help menu for the laboratory.

Exit. Clicking the exit sign exits the gases laboratory and returns the user to the general
chemistry laboratory.

Gas Cylinders. All available gases for the different gas experiments are located to the right of
the table. A gas is selected by clicking on one of the cylinders. For the balloon, pressure, and
temperature experiments, clicking on the cylinder brings it forward with a regulator attached
where gas can then be added to the experiment. For the cylinder experiment, selecting a gas
attaches the cylinder to the experimental chamber. The gas cylinders are grouped into two
sets: the first is a set of ideal, real, and van der Waals gases and the other is a set of ideal
gases with varying molecular weights. The a and b parameters for the van der Waals gas can
be changed by clicking on the van der Waals cylinder label. Units for the a and b parameters
must be in L
atm.

Table. The table is where the gas experiments are placed after they have been selected from
the stockroom.

Lab Book. The lab book is used to record procedures and observations while performing
experiments in the virtual laboratory. Data from the experiments can also be saved as links in
the lab book where it can then be copied and pasted into an external spreadsheet program for
further analysis.

Real/Ideal Gases. The Real Gas/Ideal Gas switch located on the front of the table changes the
gas cylinders to either a set of real gases or a set of ideal gases. The real gases consist of N2,
CO2, CH4, H2O, NH3, and He as well as one ideal gas and a van der Waals gas. The ideal
gases are composed of eight ideal gases with different molecular weights. The set of ideal
gases can be added to the balloon, pressure, and temperature experiments in any combination
to form ideal gas mixtures obeying Daltons Law of partial pressure.

Reset Lab. Clicking the Reset Lab button on the front of the table in the laboratory will
automatically clear the laboratory and return any equipment back to its appropriate location
in the stockroom. Clicking the Reset button on the experiment itself when it is set up on the
table will remove any gas from the experiment and return the values and units of the
variables to their default values.

Bell. The bell located on the stockroom counter is used to access Help.

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Operating the Gas Regulator
After an experiment has been selected in the
stockroom and placed on the table, a gas
cylinder can be selected by clicking on any
of the eight gas cylinders next to the table.
For the balloon, pressure, and temperature
experiments, this will bring the cylinder to
the front of the room with a gas regulator
attached to the cylinder and will connect a
copper line to the experiment. The regulator
consists of (1) a solenoid valve (the green
Open Valve button), (2) two pressure gauges,
(3) arrows for adjusting the regulator
pressure, and (4) the Return Tank button
which is used to return the tank to the other
cylinders. Clicking on the Open Valve button
will open the solenoid valve and allow gas to
flow into the experiment at the pressure
specified on the left pressure gauge on the
regulator. (The pressure gauge on the right
measures the pressure of the gas in the tank
and is fixed.) Clicking on the solenoid valve
again will close the valve. Clicking on the blue and red arrows will increase (red arrow) or
decrease (blue arrow) the regulator pressure. Note that when a cylinder is first selected after
starting the simulation, the regulator pressure will be initially zero and no gas will flow when the
valve is opened. Also note that the units of pressure on the pressure gauge are kPa (outside scale)
and psi (inside scale) relative to atmospheric pressure. If the selected cylinder is still attached
when zoomed in on an experiment (see below), then the number of moles of gas in the
experiment will be adjustable.

Using the Experiments

When an experiment is selected in the stockroom, clicking on the green Return to Lab arrow or
clicking on the hoist arrow will bring the experiment out to the laboratory and place it on the
table. This view of the experiment is called the wide view and the only operation that can be
performed is selecting the gas for the experiment (see Operating the Gas Regulator for more
details). Clicking on the experiment will zoom in for a closer view and allow complete control of
the experiment. For the balloon, pressure, and temperature experiments, if the gas cylinder is
attached when zoomed in on the experiment, then the number of moles of gas in the experiment
can be controlled; otherwise, the number of moles of gas will be fixed at the value specified on
the moles LCD controller at the time the experiment is zoomed in on. Given below is a brief
description of how to use each experiment. See the simulation section above for a list of
assumptions used in each experiment.

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The Balloon
Experiment. In this
experiment, a balloon
is used to reflect the
changes in volume of
a gas as the pressure,
temperature, or
number of moles are
adjusted. The balloon
is considered to be a
perfect balloon in that
it exerts no pressure
on the gas inside.
Adjusting the pressure
and temperature in the
experiment changes
the pressure and
temperature of the
inert, ideal gas inside
the chamber. The
various controls for
Figure 4. The balloon experiment or V = f(P, T).
the experiment are as
follows (see Figure 4):

Hoist Controller. Clicking on the hoist controller returns the experiment to the stockroom,
bypassing the wide view of the experiment.

Zoom Out. Clicking on the zoom out arrow returns the user to the wide view of the
experiment in the gases laboratory.

Save Data. Clicking the Save button will create a link in the electronic lab book where all the
P, V, T, and n data will be saved as the various parameters are changed in the experiment.
The saving process will continue automatically until the Save button (now labeled Stop) is
clicked again. If the data set becomes too large, then new links will be automatically created.
The electronic lab book must be open for data to be saved. Clicking on the link in the lab
book will bring up a data window displaying all the saved data in columns. This data can be
selected, copied, and then pasted into an external spreadsheet program for further analysis.

Reset Experiment. Clicking the Reset button will automatically reset the experiment to its
initial state but with no gas added to the experiment. This button is also used to reset the
experiment if the balloon was popped.

Lab Book. Clicking on the lab book will open the electronic lab book where notes can be
recorded and P, V, T, and n data can be saved.

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 Bell. Clicking on the bell will bring up the help window. This same help window is also
accessed through the TV help screen.

LCD Controllers. The LCD controllers are used to observe the changes in volume of the gas
and to control the external pressure in the chamber (and thus the internal pressure in the
balloon), the temperature, and the number of moles of gas in the balloon. Details on using the
LCD Controllers are given below.

The Pressure Experiment. In this experiment, a motor driven piston is used to change the volume
of the gas and a pressure transducer is used to measure the resulting effects on the pressure. The
temperature of the cylinder can also be adjusted. The various controls for the experiment are as
follows (see Figure 5):

Hoist Controller.
Clicking on the
hoist controller
returns the
experiment to the
stockroom,
bypassing the wide
view of the
experiment.

Zoom Out.
Clicking on the
zoom out arrow
returns the user to
the wide view of
the experiment in
the gases
laboratory.

Save Data. Figure 5. The pressure experiment or P = f(V, T).

Clicking the Save
button will create a link in the electronic lab book where all the P, V, T, and n data will be
saved as the various parameters are changed in the experiment. The saving process will
continue automatically until the Save button (now labeled Stop) is clicked again. If the data
set becomes too large, then a new link will be automatically created. The electronic lab book
must be open for data to be saved. Clicking on the link in the lab book will bring up a data
window displaying all the saved data in columns. This data can be selected, copied, and then
pasted into an external spreadsheet program for further analysis.

Reset Experiment. Clicking the Reset button will automatically reset the experiment to its
initial state but with no gas added to the experiment.

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 Lab Book. Clicking on the lab book will open the electronic lab book where notes can be
recorded and P, V, T, and n data can be saved.

Bell. Clicking on the bell will bring up the help window. This same help window is also
accessed through the TV help screen.

LCD Controllers. The LCD controllers are used to observe the changes in pressure of the gas
and to control the volume, temperature, and the number of moles of gas in the cylinder.
Details on using the LCD Controllers are given below.

The Temperature Experiment. A motor driven piston is used again to change the volume, but in
this experiment the resulting temperature change is measured as a consequence of the volume
and pressure changes. This is actually a somewhat virtual experiment since there is no practical
method available to
change the pressure in
a constant volume,
constant mole
experiment or to
change the volume
keeping the pressure
and number of moles
constant. The various
controls for the
experiment are as
follows (see Figure 6):

Hoist Controller.
Clicking on the
hoist controller
returns the
experiment to the
stockroom,
bypassing the wide
view of the
experiment. Figure 6. The temperature experiment or T = f(P, V).

Zoom Out. Clicking on the zoom out arrow returns the user to the wide view of the
experiment in the gases laboratory.

Save Data. Clicking the Save button will create a link in the electronic lab book where all the
P, V, T, and n data will be saved as the various parameters are changed in the experiment.
The saving process will continue automatically until the Save button (now labeled Stop) is
clicked again. If the data set becomes too large, then new links will be automatically created.
The electronic lab book must be open for data to be saved. Clicking on the link in the lab
book will bring up a data window displaying all the saved data in columns. This data can be
selected, copied, and then pasted into an external spreadsheet program for further analysis.

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 Reset Experiment. Clicking the Reset button will automatically reset the experiment to its
initial state but with no gas added to the experiment.

Lab Book. Clicking on the lab book will open the electronic lab book where notes can be
recorded and P, V, T, and n data can be saved.

Bell. Clicking on the bell will bring up the help window. This same help window is also
accessed through the TV help screen.

LCD Controllers. The LCD controllers are used to observe the changes in temperature of the
gas and to control the volume, pressure, and the number of moles of gas in the cylinder.
Details on using the LCD Controllers are given below.

The Cylinder Experiment. This experiment is similar to the balloon experiment in that the volume
is dependent on changes in pressure, temperature, and the number of moles of gas. However, in
this experiment, the selected gas is added to the experimental chamber (there is no regulator
control in this
experiment) and then a
sample of gas is
trapped in the cylinder
when a frictionless,
massless piston is
placed on top of the
cylinder. The number
of moles of gas
trapped in the cylinder
is determined by the
temperature and
pressure of the gas in
the chamber at the
time the piston is
placed on the cylinder.
The walls of the
cylinder are rigid,
consequently, pressure
can only be exerted on
the gas in the cylinder
through the piston. Figure 7. The cylinder experiment or V = f(P, T).
This is accomplished
by either adjusting the external pressure of the gas in the chamber or by placing weights on the
piston. The piston can only be removed when there are no weights on the piston and when the
piston is at the top of the cylinder. For some calculations it will be necessary to know that the
cylinder diameter is 15 cm and the cylinder height is 40 cm. The various controls for the
experiment are as follows (see Figure 7):

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 Hoist Controller. Clicking on the hoist controller returns the experiment to the stockroom,
bypassing the wide view of the experiment.

Zoom Out. Clicking on the zoom out arrow returns the user to the wide view of the
experiment in the gases laboratory.

Save Data. Clicking the Save button will create a link in the electronic lab book where all the
P, V, T, and n data will be saved as the various parameters are changed in the experiment.
The saving process will continue automatically until the Save button (now labeled Stop) is
clicked again. If the data set becomes too large, then new links will be automatically created.
The electronic lab book must be open for data to be saved. Clicking on the link in the lab
book will bring up a data window displaying all the saved data in columns. This data can be
selected, copied, and then pasted into an external spreadsheet program for further analysis.

Piston. Clicking this button will place the piston on top of the cylinder. To remove the piston,
click on the Piston button again (now labeled Remove); however, the piston can only be
removed when it is on top of the cylinder with all the weights removed.

Reset Experiment. Clicking the Reset button will automatically reset the experiment to its
initial state but with no gas added to the experiment. This button is also used to reset the
experiment if the piston was blown off the cylinder.

Lab Book. Clicking on the lab book will open the electronic lab book where notes can be
recorded and P, V, T, and n data can be saved.

Bell. Clicking on the bell will bring up the help window. This same help window is also
accessed through the TV help screen.

LCD Controllers. The LCD controllers are used to observe the changes in volume and
pressure of the gas in the cylinder and to control the external pressure, temperature, and the
mass of the weights on the piston. Details on using the LCD Controllers are given below.

LCD Controllers
All of the experiments used in the simulation have LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controllers that
are used to read and control the variables in each experiment. The LCD controllers can be read
from the wide view but can only be changed while in the zoomed in view. The LCD controllers
used in the experiments can be divided into four types: (1) Dependent Variable Controllers, (2)
Independent Variable Controllers, (3) Dual Purpose Controllers, and (4) Ideal Gas Mixture
Controllers.

Dependent Variable Controllers. In each experiment, there

are one or more variables that are dependent on the values
of the independent variables. The LCD controllers for these
variables are always the top LCD controllers of the
experiment. The values of these controllers cannot be
changed except by changing the other variables. The units

15
of the dependent variables can be changed by clicking on the Units button in the lower right-
hand corner.

Independent Variable Controllers. These LCD controllers

are used to change the values of the independent variables.
The value of any independent variable can be changed by
either (1) clicking and holding the lever at the left of the
LCD and moving it up or down or (2) clicking on the digit
to be changed and typing in a new number. When the lever
is used to change the value on the controller, a digit will be highlighted in red (for increasing) or
blue (for decreasing) depending on whether the lever was moved up or down. The further up or
down the lever is dragged, the more significant the digit that will be changed. When a digit is
selected by clicking on it, it will be highlighted in green until a number is typed. Clicking to the
left of the most significant digit will bring up a green zero which can be changed by typing in a
number. An additional feature is the rounding button located in the upper left-hand corner of the
LCD controller. Each time the rounding button is clicked, the value on the LCD controller is
rounded to the next highest significant figure. It can be clicked multiple times to continue
rounding to the most significant digit.

Dual Purpose Controllers. The only LCD controller of this

type is used in the cylinder experiment to display both the
number of moles and the volume of gas trapped by the
piston in the cylinder. The volume is a dependent variable in
this experiment and cannot be changed. The number of
moles in the experiment can only be changed before the piston is placed on the cylinder by
changing the temperature and/or pressure in the chamber. The two different variables can be
alternately displayed by clicking on the switch in between the Volume and Moles labels on
the LCD controller. Clicking on the Units button will change the units used for the volume
display.

Ideal Gas Mixture Controllers. These LCD controllers only

exist for the pressure and number of moles when there is an
ideal gas mixture. These mixture controllers have a row of
nine buttons at the bottom of the display that represent the
eight different ideal gases as well as a Total button. The
eight numbered buttons are light gray if that specific gas is present in the mixture or dark gray if
it is not. Clicking on one of the numbered buttons will display the partial pressure or the number
of moles for that gas. Clicking on the Total button will display the total pressure or total number
of moles for the gas mixture.

Pull-Down TV
In the upper right-hand corner of the laboratory above the gas cylinders is a small handle, which
when clicked, pulls down a TV and can display information in two different modes:

Assignments. In assignment mode, the TV displays the assignment text for the currently
accepted assignment. This is intended to allow easy reference to the assignment while

16
performing the work in the virtual laboratory. When an assignment has not been accepted, the
assignment mode is left blank.

Help. In help mode, the table of contents for the laboratory help is listed on the TV. Clicking a
subject listed in the table of contents brings up the help window.

Reset Buttons
The laboratory has two different Reset buttons with separate functions. The first is a Reset Lab
button located on the left side of the experimental table. When clicked, this button will
automatically clear the laboratory and return any equipment back to its appropriate location in
the stockroom. The laboratory can also be cleared by clicking on the hoist controller located on
the side of each experiment. Note that the laboratory does not have to be cleared to modify or
start a new experiment. Each experiment also contains its own Reset button that, when clicked,
will remove any gas from the experiment and return the values and units of the variables to their
default values.

Saving Data
An important element in the gases simulation is the ability to save the P, V, T, and n data from
each of the experiments to the lab book and later copy that data to an external spreadsheet
program for further analysis. This is done by clicking the Save button (located on each
experiment) which, in turn, will create a link in the electronic lab book where all the P, V, T, and
n data will be saved as the various parameters are changed in the experiment. The saving process
will continue automatically for each change in an independent variable until the Save button
(now labeled Stop) is clicked again. If the data set becomes too large, then new links will be
automatically created. The electronic lab book must be open for data to be saved. Clicking on the
link in the lab book will bring up a data window displaying all the saved data in columns. This
data can be selected, copied, and then pasted into an external spreadsheet program for further
analysis.

Stockroom
Overview
The stockroom (shown in Figure 8) is used to select one of the four gas experiments and bring it
out to the laboratory. The essential features of the stockroom are described in the following list.

Hoist Controllers. The hoist controllers are used to select and bring out to the laboratory an
experimental apparatus associated with one of the four different gas experiments. Details on
the gas experiments can be found in the Simulation section above. An experiment is selected
by clicking on the appropriate hoist controller which, in turn, will cause the hoist to lift the
experiment up and hang it in the stockroom. At this point, the experiment can be brought out
to the laboratory by clicking on the green Return to Lab arrow or by clicking on the small
white arrow on the hoist controller. The experiment can be lowered and returned to its
storage location by clicking on the red button on the hoist controller.

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 Figure 8. The gases stockroom. One of the four gas experiments can be selected by clicking
on one of the hoist controllers. The clipboard is used to select preset experiments
or to accept an electronic assignment.
Clipboard. Clicking on the clipboard gives access to 15 preset gas experiments that are
already predefined and ready to run. Be aware that access to these preset experiments can be
turned off by the instructor. The clipboard also gives access to assignments given by the
instructor.

Bell. As in most stockrooms, the bell is used to access Help for the stockroom.

Return to Lab Arrow. Clicking the Return to Lab arrow returns the user to the laboratory. If
an experiment has been selected and is hanging in the stockroom, clicking on the Return to
Lab arrow will also bring the experiment to the laboratory and place it on the table.

Selecting Experiments
A gas experiment is selected by clicking on the appropriate hoist controller which, in turn, will
cause the hoist to lift the experiment up and hang it in the stockroom. At this point, the
experiment can be brought out to the laboratory by clicking on the green Return to Lab arrow or

18
by clicking on the small white arrow on the hoist controller. The experiment can be lowered and
returned to its storage location by clicking on the red button on the hoist controller.

Preset Experiments
When allowed by the instructor, the clipboard gives access to a list of 15 gas experiments that are
predefined and ready to run. To select one of these experiments, click on the clipboard and then
click the desired experiment. The appropriate experimental chamber will be automatically
selected and suspended in the stockroom. Clicking the Return to Lab arrow will then
automatically place the experiment on the table in the laboratory and start the experiment. If,
after having selected the preset experiment from the clipboard, the chamber hanging in the
stockroom is touched before returning to the laboratory, the preset nature of the experiment will
be turned off and the experiment will have to be setup manually in the laboratory.

The following point should be kept in mind: The 15 preset experiments that are included with the
installation cover many of the fundamental experiments that describe the properties of ideal and
real gases. These preset experiments are only a small set of the large number of experiments that
can be designed and implemented in this simulation.

Assignments
Below the preset experiments on the clipboard, the next available gas assignment that has been
released by the instructor will be listed. The information given in this assignment area is the
assignment number, the title of the assignment, the due date, and the points possible. Gas
assignments can be quite different depending on the level of the class and the specific
experiment that will be performed. In general, a gas assignment consists of a description of an
experiment, a series of instructions that must be performed in the laboratory, data that must be
collected, and conclusions that must be made based on what has been done. In assignments
where a preset experiment is available, an experiment will already be predefined and
automatically set up in the laboratory. Other assignments could be more general or may require
that the student uses experiments that are not predefined in the preset experiments.

An assignment is accepted by clicking on Accept below the assignment information area where
the text of the assignment (the description and instructions) is then placed on the clipboard for
review. Clicking on Proceed with Assignment places the laboratory in assignment mode and
places any experimental equipment that was predefined as part of the assignment in the
laboratory. Not all assignments will have predefined experiments. If an experiment is not
automatically hoisted up, then the appropriate experiment and gases will have to be selected by
the student.

When an assignment has been accepted, two changes are made to the operation of the laboratory.
(1) Clicking on the Assignment button on the pull-down TV will display the text of the
assignment. The assignment text on the TV is intended to be a reference while doing the work in
the laboratory and will be available as long as the assignment is out in the laboratory. (2) After
an assignment has been accepted, a new section is created in the lab book (named with the
assignment number) where only the notes and saved data associated with that assignment can be
recorded. Each assignment will have its own section, and these sections can only be modified

19
while the assignment is out in the laboratory. When the experimental work is finished and the
observations, results, and conclusions have been recorded in the lab book, the assignment is
submitted for grading by clicking on the Report button in the lab book. After submitting an
assignment, further editing in the assignment section is locked out.

The laboratory can be put back into a normal exploratory mode by either reporting the
assignment or clearing the laboratory by returning the experiment to the stockroom or by
clicking on the Reset Lab button.

Lab Book
The laboratory notebook is used to write and save experimental procedures and observations for
each student and to submit the results of assignments. Data from the gases laboratory can also be
saved to the lab book for later reference and more detailed analysis. The notebook is organized
by sections and pages. New pages can be created as needed for each section. The first section is
labeled Practice and is always the section that is available to the student anytime an instructor
assignment is not out in the laboratory. When an assignment is accepted for the first time, a new
section is created in the lab book (named with the assignment number) where only the notes
associated with that assignment can be recorded. Each assignment will have its own section, and
these sections can only be modified while the assignment is out in the laboratory. Once an
assignment has been submitted for grading, no other modifications are allowed. After an
assignment has been submitted, an extra page is added to the end of the section where grading
information will be posted.

The lab book is launched by clicking once on the lab book located on the bench top. Detailed
information on how to use the lab book is located in the lab book sections below.

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Electronic Lab Book

Figure 9. The electronic lab book used by the student to record notes.

Overview
The laboratory notebook is used to write and save experimental procedures and observations for
each student and to submit the results of assignments to the instructor for grading. In addition,
TLC plates and NMR and IR spectra from the organic laboratory; detector output from the
quantum laboratory; P, V, T, and n data from the gases laboratory; volume, pH/voltage, and
conductivity data from titration experiments; and time versus temperature data from the
calorimetry laboratory can be saved in the notebook as well.

The notebook is organized by sections and pages. The section name and current page number for
the section are listed at the top of the page. New pages can be created as needed for each section.
The default section is labeled Practice and is always the section that is available to the student
when an assignment is not out in the laboratory. When an assignment is accepted for the first
time, a new section is created in the lab book (named with the assignment number) where only
the notes associated with that assignment can be recorded. Each assignment will have its own
section, and these sections can only be modified while the assignment is out in the laboratory.
Once an assignment has been submitted for grading, no other modifications are allowed. After an

21
assignment has been submitted, an extra page is added to the end of the section where grading
information will be posted. Note that electronic assignments can only be accepted and submitted
for a client/server installation or when web connectivity has been enabled.

Typing/Editing Notes and Inserting Links

To start recording notes on the current page, click the page until a cursor appears.
Notes can be typed as normal until the bottom of the page. New pages are not automatically
created. Text can be inserted past the end of the page (and accessed using the arrow keys), but
text that extends beyond the end of the page is not accessible to the instructor during grading.
Text is always inserted when typed, and text can be deleted with both the forward and backward
delete keys. Blocks of text can be marked using conventional methods, which in turn, can be cut,
copied, and pasted using Ctrl-x, Ctrl-c, and Ctrl-v, respectively, for PC computers or Cmd-x,
Cmd-c, and Cmd-v for Macintosh. Mouse clicks or arrow keys are used to move around on the
page. No other keys are defined for the lab book.

When you generate TLC plates, NMR spectra, and IR spectra in the organic laboratory; detector
output from the quantum laboratory; P, V, T, and n data from the gases laboratory; volume,
pH/voltage, and conductivity data from the titration laboratory; or time versus temperature data
from the calorimetry laboratory, you can save these results to the lab book by pressing the Save
or Record button on the appropriate window. Each TLC, NMR, IR, detector output, gas data,
titration data, or calorimetry data saved in the lab book is saved as a link (in blue or red) with a
unique label and is placed on the last line of the current page. Clicking a link displays the saved
item as it was originally shown in the laboratory. NMR spectra and IR spectra saved from the
spectra library are labeled as such. Gas, titration, or calorimetry data that were saved during an
experiment are displayed as a table in a display window and can be copied and pasted into a
spreadsheet program for further analysis. Links can be deleted from the lab book by deleting the
entire link label, and links can be moved by adding or deleting text around a link. Links cannot
be moved using cut (or copy) and paste commands.

Navigation
Moving around inside the lab book from page to page and section to section is accomplished
using the four buttons grouped at the top of the left page of the lab book. The functionality for
each of these buttons is described in the sections that follow.

Prev/Next
The Previous and Next buttons are used to go to the previous or next page in the current section.
If a page in either the downward or the upward direction is not available in the section, the
button is grayed out and not active.

Search Notes
The Search Notes button is used to specify a word or an exact phrase that can be searched for in
the current section or in the entire lab book. Shown on the right is the Search dialog area that is
placed on the left page of the lab book when the Search Notes button has been pressed. The text

22
box is used to enter the word or words that will be searched for. The
Search button initiates the search for the word or words typed in the
text box. If a match is found, the page with the match will be shown
on the right page of the lab book with the match highlighted.
Pressing the Search button again will search for the next
occurrence. After a match has been found, pressing the OK button
will close the Search dialog and switch the lab book to the new
page. Pressing the Cancel button closes the Search dialog and keeps
the lab book on the old page. The Current Section and All Sections
radio buttons specify whether the search is to be made on the
current section or over all sections in the lab book, respectively.

Go To Page
The Go To Page button is used to jump to any page in any of the sections in the lab book. Shown
in the accompanying figure is the
dialog box that is displayed when the
Go To Page button is pressed. The
first box lists the available sections in
the lab book by name. Clicking one of
these will then list the available pages
for the highlighted section in the
second box. Clicking one of the pages
will switch the lab book to the
indicated page and section. Pressing
the Cancel button keeps the lab book
on the old page.

Functions
Grouped below the navigation buttons are a set of buttons which perform various functions in the
lab book. These functions are described in the sections that follow.

New Page
This button creates a new page at the end of the current section. The button is only active when
you are on the last page of the section. Pages cannot be inserted elsewhere in the section.

Delete Page
This button deletes the current page in the currently selected section. A warning is given before
the deletion occurs.

Rename Section
This buttons brings up a dialog box that allows the name of
the current section to be changed. By default, the first section
in the lab book is given the name Practice, and other sections

23
that are added to the lab book for each assignment are given the name Assignment n where n
represents the assignment number. The practice section is for keeping notes when exploring and
learning in the laboratory, and the assignment sections are used for keeping notes during
assignments and are eventually graded by the instructor. The Rename Section function allows
these default names to be changed.

Print
This button brings up a dialog box that allows either the current page or the current section to be
printed to a user-selected printer. Links cannot be printed.

Report
This button allows the current assignment to be submitted to the instructor for grading and is
only active when an assignment is out in the laboratory. Upon submitting an assignment for
grading, further modifications to the assignment section are locked out and an extra page is
added to the end of the section containing grading information specific to the assignment. The
exception to this is when an Inorganic or Titration practice unknown is submitted which only
reveals the actual contents or concentration of the unknown and no grading is performed. If web
connectivity has been enabled (see the Web Options button below) then, after submitting the
assignment, the student will be prompted to update these results to the server immediately. If
Automatic Updates has been selected, this update is performed automatically after submitting the
assignment.

Inorganic Assignments Pressing the Report button for an inorganic assignment brings up a
report window where the possible cations in the unknown are listed. To report the contents of
the unknown, click the appropriate tiles corresponding to the cations present in the unknown.
For assigned unknowns, these selections can be saved by pressing the Save button allowing
the user to return to the lab for further work on the unknown. The Save button is disabled for
practice unknowns. When the assigned or practice unknown is ready for grading, click the
Submit button, which in turn, brings up a warning box stating that no further modifications
can be made to the assignment. Clicking OK submits the unknown and then marks each
cation in the unknown as correct (green) or incorrect (red). For assigned unknowns, the score
is also posted, and the entire grading report is written on the last page of the assignment
section.

Quantum Assignments Pressing the Report button for a quantum assignment brings up a
text box warning the student that submitting an assignment prevents further modification of
the assignment section. Selecting OK brings up a second warning box which, when OK is
selected again, submits the assignment, closes the lab book, and clears the laboratory.
Grading information is placed on the last page of the section.

Gases Assignments Pressing the Report button for a gases assignment brings up a text box
warning the student that submitting an assignment prevents further modification of the
assignment section. Selecting OK brings up a second warning box which, when OK is
selected again, submits the assignment, closes the lab book, and clears the laboratory.
Grading information is placed on the last page of the section.

24
 Figure 10. The report window for reporting inorganic assignments. Use the
Return to Notes button to cancel the submission process.

Titration Assignments Pressing the Report button for a titration assignment brings up a
dialog box which asks the student to enter the concentration or weight percent of the
unknown or unknowns that were assigned. A warning is also given about locking out the
section after the assignment has been submitted. Selecting OK brings up a second warning
box which, when OK is selected again, submits the entered values, submits the section notes,
pops up a text box with the correct values, closes the lab book, and clears the laboratory. The
correct concentrations and/or weight percents, the entered concentrations and/or weight
percents, and grading information is placed on the last page of the section.

Calorimetry Assignments Pressing the Report button for a calorimetry assignment brings up
a dialog box, which asks the student to enter the heat of reaction, solution, or combustion or
the heat capacity of the unknown or unknowns that were assigned. Note that it is important to
play close attention to the units that are requested. A warning is also given about locking out
the section after the assignment has been submitted. Selecting OK brings up a second
warning box which, when OK is selected again, submits the entered values, submits the
section notes, pops up a text box with the correct values, closes the lab book, and clears the
laboratory. The correct values, the entered values, and grading information is placed on the
last page of the section.

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 Web Options
Overview. This button is the main access point for the web connectivity option of the program.
The Virtual ChemLab simulations can be installed in a client/server mode or in a
standalone/student mode. In the client/server mode (a typical computer lab installation)
electronic assignments and notebook submissions are handled directly through the local area
network. In the student mode, there is no direct connection to receive assignments or submit
results and, therefore, the simulations are limited to working locally without electronic
assignments. Consequently, paper assignments or exploratory work are the typical applications
for a student version. With the Web Options function, a web-based connection can be established
and configured to enable the exchange of electronic assignments and notebook results without a
direct network connection. Some computer lab installations may find this to be the favored mode
of operation as well.

The information that is needed to setup web connectivity is (1) a user ID, (2) a password (often
your student ID), and (3) the URL for the web connection. This information must be provided by
the instructor or system administrator. Once this information has been obtained, you will then
only need an active network connection either through a dialup service, cable modem, DSL
service, regular campus access, or any other valid means. Note that a network connection is only
necessary when updating notebook results and receiving assignments. All other activity in the
simulations can be performed off-line.

Figure 11. The Web Options page used for establishing and configuring
web connectivity. Web connectivity allows for the exchange of
electronic assignments and notebook results via the internet.
26
Shown in Figure 11 is the Web Options page after it has been enabled for web connectivity.
There are four functions performed on this page: (1) Enable web connectivity, (2) Create local
user accounts by specifying the user ID, password, and URL, (3) Retrieve from and update to the
web, and (4) Delete local user accounts. Descriptions of each button and text field are given
below.

Enable Web Connection. Clicking this button turns on the web connectivity functionality and
allows local user accounts to be created (see Create Account below). As shown in Figure 12, the
web connectivity has already been enabled. Once at least one user account has been successfully
created, the web connectivity functionality cannot be disabled until all local accounts have been
deleted (see Delete below).

Create Account. Because class assignments, notebooks, and grades are unique to each student
registered in the ChemLab database, a unique account must be created for each user on each
computer. Clicking the Create Account button allows a new local user account to be created by
entering a valid user ID, password, and URL. There are two important considerations to keep in
mind when creating accounts. First, before any accounts are created, access to the laboratories is
immediate and bypasses the card reader requesting password (student ID) information. The first
account can only be created in the lab book using the Create Account button, and subsequent
entry into the laboratories will require providing the correct password at the card reader. After
the first account has been created, new local accounts can be created using the Add New User
button on the card reader. Second, for computer lab installations, each user cannot be guaranteed
of using the same computer each time they access the program. Consequently, their local account
will not always be found on the computer available to them. The Add New User button on the
card reader will be useful to create local accounts as needed when using different computers.

User ID. To create a local account, a valid user ID must be entered in this field. This user ID will
be provided by the instructor and is case sensitive. The user ID is typically the first 6 letters of
the last name followed by the first and middle initials (for example, SmithJD). The entered user
ID is saved by clicking on the Save button or by pressing Enter or Tab. Using Enter or Tab will
automatically advance the cursor to the password field.

Password. A password is also necessary to create a local account and will be provided by the
instructor. The password is also case sensitive. The password entered here will also be the same
password (usually a student ID) that will be used to enter into the laboratory at the card reader
(see Create Account). The entered password is saved by clicking on the Save button or by
pressing Enter or Tab. Using Enter or Tab will automatically advance the cursor to the URL
field.

URL. The actual web connectivity functionality works by passing assignment and notebook
information between the student and a central database via a servlet engine running on a web
server at a certain URL address. The exact (case sensitive) URL address that will be used to pass
assignment and notebook information must be specified in this field. The URL address will be
provided by the instructor. Note that the most recent valid URL address will become the default
address for any subsequent local user accounts; however, each local user may have a unique
URL address. Also note that most URL addresses will be longer than the length of the text box

27
provided. Text at the end of the URL can be accessed by using the arrow keys. Pressing Enter or
the Save button will initiate the account validation process. An internet connection is necessary
in order to validate the user ID and password information.

Enable Automatic Updates. Checking this box will enable automatic updates (both receiving
from and sending to the server) when entering the laboratory at the card reader, exiting a
laboratory, and when submitting assignments. This option is recommended when an internet
connection is continuously available. This option is also permanently selected for computer lab
installations using web connectivity.

Send Updates. Clicking on this button will immediately send the notebook and assignment
information up to the server where they will be collected by the instructor. This button is the only
location where updates can be sent to the server on demand; however, warnings are given to
update to the server when exiting laboratories and submitting assignments. If the Send Updates
button has been clicked even though there have been no changes made to the notebook, a
warning is given indicating that an update is not needed. If an update is still selected (by
clicking Yes at the prompt), then an update will be forced to the server replacing any old
information.

Receive Updates. Clicking on this button will immediately collect any new assignments,
messages, or grading information posted by the instructor. This button is the only location where
updates can be received from the server on demand; however, an update can be performed
automatically at the card reader if Enable Automatic Updates has been selected. If the Receive
Updates button has been clicked even though there have been no changes made to the
information on the server, a warning is given indicating that an update is not needed. If an update
is still selected (by clicking Yes at the prompt), then an update will be forced from the server
replacing any old information stored locally.

Save. Clicking the Save button saves any text entered in the User ID, Password, or URL fields.
Clicking Save in the URL box also initiates the account validation process with the server.

Cancel. Clicking the Cancel button cancels the account creation process and resets the Web
Options page back to its initial state. Clicking Cancel does not cancel any web operations that
may be in progress.

Delete. Clicking on this button deletes the current local account from the local hard drive and
returns the user back to the hallway. Deleting all the local user accounts returns the software
back to the original installed state and disables the web connectivity option. A warning is given
before the actual account deletion occurs.

28