Do Chemists Use Wikipedia?
Today I decided to look up "battery" on wikipedia, to give myself a review of electrochemistry and of the specific chemical reactions in the standard alkaline battery. This ridiculousness is what I found. Granted, I wasn't expecting much. If I wanted a real refresher, I would go find a textbook. But I thought that the entry would at least have a chemical equation or two! Where are all the chemists? Do chemists use wikipedia?
Like or not, wikipedia is fast becoming a primary source of information for many people, especially the younger generation. Unfortunately, that means we scientists may have an obligation to contribute (the physics entries are almost as bad), lest the public adopt the views of the ignorant computer scientists and engineers who write most of the entries. The battery entry is a good example. There is a great example of the equivalent circuit of a battery, along with its limitations, but the basic chemistry is missing.
Like or not, wikipedia is fast becoming a primary source of information for many people, especially the younger generation. Unfortunately, that means we scientists may have an obligation to contribute (the physics entries are almost as bad), lest the public adopt the views of the ignorant computer scientists and engineers who write most of the entries. The battery entry is a good example. There is a great example of the equivalent circuit of a battery, along with its limitations, but the basic chemistry is missing.
Labels: science learned me good, wikipedia



10 Comments:
Perhaps you would have found what you were looking for here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrochemistry .
(Same anon as above)
There are quite a few chemists around. Take a look at the Chemistry wikiproject. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Chemistry
The problem, which has been noted several times, is that while certain specialist topics such as "Persistent carbenes" and some obscure organic named-reactions are covered in surprising detail, many basic topics are left out.
There have been attempts to "fix" these basic chemistry topics, but people will prefer to write about what they are doing. And that's all the specialized stuff. Care to join Wikipedia and lend a hand? =)
Thanks for the links, anonymous. The electrochemistry wiki looks pretty good on first glance.
As for joining and editing wikipedia, I've considered it, for the reasons I've outlined in my post, but for now I don't have the will or the time. Some day if I feel really ambitious I may go about editing the carbon nanotube entry.
Under the heading, "Rechargeable and disposable batteries" on the article you link to, there is a LOT of chemistry to be found. About 20 specific battery examples??
What an arrogant snoot, people like you are going to save us? Get over yourself and accept the fact that we’ll get along just fine without you.
Last week, Wikipedia's page on the comedian Sinbad said he was dead. :-(
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