electrochromic glass
A few days ago we finished our discussion of electron density of states by discussing the Fermi function and how it is used in coordination with the density of states to find the total number of electrons occupying a certain range of states. This introduced us to the difference between conductors, semiconductors and insulators (which we will discuss in further detail in a future lesson). The experiment we conducted followed our other topic of solid state chemistry. The Cogitanians made electrochromic glass by coating a conductive piece of glass with tungsten(VI) oxide, and successfully deduced the reason for why it changes into a dark color when a current is passed through the glass while in the presence of an acidic solution. The students then wrapped up the session with a video of various solid state phenomena that are easily explained by the topics we have already covered.
