Monte Carlo Experiments by Computer
Before you Begin
Read over the section below "Report on your Results" now so
that that you will know what to look for and what to think about while
doing the experiments. Then run the experiment.
Run The Monte Carlo Experiments
This is where we get the computer to do all the work of running a Monte
Carlo simulation. You will have control over how many virtual molecules
there are in the reaction vessel and how long you want to run the
simulation to run.
The aim is to obtain experimental data that exhibits the behaviour that
you expect for this form of reaction. Insufficient molecules in the
simulation or inadequate time will not give you good data for the
analysis. However if you choose numbers that are too large, ie too many
molecules, the simulation will take too long. You have to choose a
compromise through some experimentation. If you need help at any time
click the Help link which is always located at the top right.
When you are finished return back to here and report on your results.
Report on your Results
Report briefly about what you observed and what were the major
conclusions that your group came to regarding the reaction kinetics.
This should take no more than a page or two for all the experiments.
These are questions that you my wish to cover in your report:
- How many molecules and how many runs did it take to get good
data?
- What was the expected mathematical form of the raw data and did
the data show this?
- What about the analysed data? Did this backup your expectations
about the raw data?
- How close is the experimental data to the predictions from
theory?