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)

Discusses the history of the development of Newton's Law of Cooling. Describes an experiment conducted in the kitchen that is designed to test the rate of cooling of a hot block of iron. Finds that Newton's law does not represent very well the mechanism of heat loss. (Contains over 10 references.) (WRM)

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)

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)

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 procedures for a demonstration that features an exploding can. This demonstration prompts students to critically analyze the release of energy in an exothermic reaction, the work done in such a reaction, and the enthalpy. (DDR)

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)

Presents an approach to combine the empirical approach of classical thermodynamics with the structural approach of statistical mechanics. Topics covered include dynamical foundation of the first law; mechanical work, heat, radiation, and the first law; thermal equilibrium; thermal processes; thermodynamic probability; entropy; the second law;…

Describes a simple cooling experiment that can be conducted in class at the college algebra, precalculus, calculus, or differential equations level whose aim is to determine the best exponential function to fit the experimental data. (Author/ASK)

This unit is one of a group of units written to fit the Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS) chemistry course, but it could also be used in most Sixth Form courses. It includes: (1) a reading for students to complete at home before starting the main package; (2) a collection of group and/or individual student activities; (3) background notes…

Describes a laboratory exercise in which acid dissociation constants and molecular weights are extracted from sample data and the sample is identified. Emphasizes accurate volumetric work while bringing to practice the concepts of acid-base equilibria, activity coefficients, and thermodynamic constants. (CW)

Presents a laboratory experiment which determines critical temperature and density of carbon dioxide. Discusses critical point and provides equations to estimate liquid volume fraction. Analyzes experimental results in terms of variables. (JM)

Described is the first quarter of a three quarter graduate course for the general engineering student on the molecular theory of thermodynamics and transport phenomena at the University of Minnesota. Three sections from the course, considered to exemplify its spirit and substance, are presented. (BT)