Professor Wood is supported by the Physical Chemistry Program to study the properties of aqueous solutions at temperatures up to 450 degrees C. These measurements require the development of special instruments that can make thermodynamic measurements at such extreme tempertures. Data will be obtained on the densities, heat capacities, heats of dilution, and electrical conductivities for a variety of aqueous solutions near the critical point of water. Since some very abrupt changes in these properties occur, it is expected that these measurements will help develop theories for understanding these unusual effects. This experimental research program is providing important thermochemical data to many fields, beyond chemistry. In particular the data to be obtained by Professor Wood is expected to be of appreciable importance to geologists, steam-power and chemical engineers. Such data are helpful to the understanding of mineral geochemistry, corrosion of electric plant boilers, and the chemistry involved in the production of geothermal power. Also, these measurements are essential if one is to learn about the effects of solutes at low concentration and will be useful to test modern theory.
