Discusses and compares the use of the word "reversibility" as it applies to thermodynamics, to equilibrium studies, and to kinetics. Discusses misuse of the word "irreversible" and its elimination from descriptions of chemical reactions. (CS)

Fire-fighting considerations teachers may want to raise with students in physics classes are discussed. Concepts involved in extinguishing fires and the operation of fire equipment are detailed. (CW)

Generated are over 70 chemical reactions which constitutes a minicourse in descriptive chemistry and is designed to help foster "chemical literacy". Both aqueous and nonaqueous chemical reactions are discussed. (KR)

Presents two classroom activities that help students visualize the concept of entropy and appreciate that entropy tends to increase spontaneously. Contains 20 references. (WRM)

This paper describes the use of interactive, Physlet[R]-based curricular material designed to help students learn concepts of thermodynamics with a particular focus on the use of kinetic theory models. These exercises help students visualize ideal gas particle dynamics and engine cycles, make concrete connections between mechanics and…

Describes an experiment to measure the thermal conductivity of some gases in an undergraduate physics laboratory using a hot wire method in the pressure range ten to one torr. (HM)

Discusses the furnace from a chemical thermodynamics perspective. Examines the enthalpy, entropy, and free energy change for each reaction of importance. These properties are interpreted on the molecular level then used to deduce the conditions necessary for each reaction to occur in its intended direction. Chemical kinetics is also discussed.…

Presents experiments that use the Mattel's Hot Wheels Top Speed toy set to show that work is a measure of energy transferred to or from a system. (JRH)

An exercise that gives students a chance to use the equations of state for both an ideal gas and for an adiabatic process in determining the points at which heat flow reverses direction and at which the working substance reaches its maximum temperature is demonstrated. (KR)

An attempt to clarify the teaching of some of the concepts of thermodynamics through the observation of an experiment with an ordinary refrigeration system is presented. The cycle of operation in the refrigeration system and the individual processes in the cycle are described. (KR)

Presents an activity in which students attempt to keep water at a constant temperature. Helps students in grades three to six hone their skills in prediction, observation, measurement, data collection, graphing, data analysis, and communication. (JRH)

Describes a typical relaxation kinetic experiment using a sudden increase in the temperature of the system. Time involved is described as minimal and the approach as quicker, more accurate, sensitive, and producing simultaneous determination of several thermodynamic parameters. (Author/SA)

Suggestions for the use of two different conventions in difference and rate terms in thermodynamics are made. It is shown how this approach lends itself to an accurate and concise discussion of function changes for a chemical reaction. (CW)

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)

Introduces an experiment involving the observation of Brownian motion for college students. Describes the apparatus, experimental procedures, data analysis and results, and error analysis. Lists experimental techniques used in the experiment. Provides a circuit diagram, typical data, and graphs. (YP)