This "Science note" teaching lesson explores the possible reaction between the ions in a reaction mixture consisting of iron(II) iodide and potassium dichromate(VI) in acidified aqueous solution. The electrode potentials will be used to deduce any spontaneous reactions under standard thermodynamic conditions (298 K, 1 bar (approximately…

Discusses the difficulty of explaining the concept of entropy, and provides exercises, experiments, and discussions concerning entropy. (MLH)

Describes how to construct an isothermal calorimeter and lists typical results of a displacement reaction using zinc. (LS)

Contains contributed suggestions for laboratory equipment, chemistry activities, and explanations of chemical reactions. (CP)

Describes some modifications and rearrangements of topics that were adopted in teaching two units in an advanced chemistry course for high school students: on inorganic chemistry, and on energy and thermodynamics. (GA)

Reviews some of the literature concerned with teaching heat, briefly assessing treatments of the subject given in a number of textbooks and considering misconceptions which can develop from the way heat is currently taught in many schools. Suggests an approach for developing an understanding of heat and associated thermodynamic concepts. (JN)

Briefly describes the application of thermodynamics (system at equilibrium) to the study of the extraction of metals from their oxides (dynamic situation). It is more relevant to study the temperature variation of the equilibrium constants of the reaction than to study the free energy approach. (Author/SK)

Discussed is the idea that energy is the cause of change. This idea, going back to early cognitive development, means that the teaching of energy needs to confront how, thermodynamically, people can perform actions. The change in energy caused by differences is emphasized. (KR)

Describes phase transition in solids and shows how soap films can be used to demonstrate this phenomenon. (Author/SK)

Shows that the second law of thermodynamics is in the common experience of many people and if taught first, before the law of conservation, can result in fewer misconceptions among pupils. Stresses the use of common experiences in teaching. (CW)