| The first exposure of chemistry students to acid/base chemistry is almost exclusively from the perspective of acid/base reactions in aqueous solutions. Consequently, students develop only a limited understanding of acid/base chemistry and relative acid/base strengths. Using SpartanPC molecular modeling software we have developed a laboratory exercise that teaches students how to generate electrostatic and ionization potential surfaces for a wide array of acids and their conjugate bases. A visual comparison of these potential surfaces is an extremely useful method to help students identify the structural features of acids and bases that concentrate or disperse charge density. Thus, through this laboratory exercise students acquire the necessary skills to assess relative acid/base strengths. |