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We present two examples which use a mean field potential to determine valence electron and nucleon energy levels in atoms and nuclei, respectively. In atoms, we compute the energy levels of the alkali elements, and in nuclei the binding energy of valence nucleons in mirror nuclei are calculated. In both cases, the student can compare the results with experiment and vary the parameters of the calculation to best fit the data.

The conformations and electrostatic potentials of phosphonamides, phosphonamidates and sulfonamides have been compared to the tetrahedral intermediate for base-catalyzed amide hydrolysis. The wide variation in inhibition by these similar compounds is explained through differences in electrostatic effects.

The potential energy surface of ClF(sub 3) can be studied in senior level computational chemistry classes through ab initio methods and group theory techniques, allowing students to rationalize the surface. Either an intramolecular rotation or an intermolecular mechanism is responsible for ClF(sub 3) ligand exchange. The broadened applicability of group theory to potential energy surfaces is demonstrated while, using provided rules, a surface's transition states and matching stationary points can be identified. The theory and exercise steps are provided.