Considers pressure, volume, entropy, temperature, Helmholtz free energy, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and internal energy. Suggests the mnemonic diagram is for use with simple systems that are defined as macroscopically homogeneous, isotropic, uncharged, and chemically inert. (MVL)

Discusses advantages of the Stirling engine. Describes the details of constructing one from common materials, and its use for studying thermodynamics. (YP)

Introduces and develops mathematical notation to assist undergraduate students in overcoming conceptual difficulties involving the underlying mathematics of state functions, which tend to be different from functions encountered by students in previous mathematical courses, because of the need to manipulate special types of partial derivatives and…

Described is a demonstration that provides an introduction to nonequilibrium reaction-diffusion systems and the coupling of hydrodynamics to chemical reactions. Experiments that demonstrate autocatalytic behavior that are effected by gravity and convection are included. (KR)

This paper suggests that present-day curriculum, based on Newtonian thought, has been rendered obsolete by the holistic and interactive "post-modern" world view based on quantum physics, nonlinear mathematics, general systems theory, and Ilya Prigogine's nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The Newtonian world view, which is linear and…

Describes a laboratory experiment which explores the effects of adding inert salts to electrolytic cells and demonstrates the difference between concentration and chemical activity. Examines chemical potentials as the driving force of reactions. Provides five examples of cell potential and concentration change. (JM)

Provides materials needed and procedures to illustrate the reversible color changes in certain organic acids on bases due to changes in pH. The technique employs three indicators which are colorless in acidic solution but form primary colors in basic solutions. Also discusses the free energy curve presented in many textbooks. (JM)

Describes the procedures and equipment for an experiment on the adiabatic expansion of gases suitable for demonstration and discussion in the physical chemical laboratory. The expansion produced shows how the process can change temperature and still return to a different location on an isotherm. (JN)

Presents a practical problem to students in a junior-level thermodynamics course in which a human body regulates its own internal temperature. This problem can be utilized as well (with modification) in an introductory physics course for life science majors. (HM)

Describes a short undergraduate experiment which helps in explaining the concept of entropy and in illustrating the second law of thermodynamics. (GA)

An approach that may be used to introduce the fundamental ideas of thermodynamics using a mathematical background with the knowledge of the behavior of matter is described. The physical background, conservation of energy, predicting the behavior of a system, and solving problems are topics of discussion. (KR)

Describes an algorithm that provides more rapid convergence for more complicated forms of phase separation requiring the use of a digital computer. Demonstrates that this "inside-out" algorithm remains efficient for determination of the equilibrium states for any type of phase transition for a binary system. (CW)

Describes an experimental procedure to measure the specific heat of a gas. Discusses equipment, setup, and procedures and provides sample values obtained for air, propane, helium, carbon dioxide, and argon. (JM)

Presented are two demonstrations; "Heat of Solution and Colligative Properties: An Illustration of Enthalpy and Entropy," and "A Vapor Pressure Demonstration." Included are lists of materials and experimental procedures. Apparatus needed are illustrated. (CW)

Uses reversible electrochemical cells near equilibrium to study basic thermodynamic concepts such as maximum work and free energy. Selects sealed, miniature, commercial cells to obtain accurate measurement of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. (MVL)