Presents experiments, models, and interpretations of reports that hot water begins to freeze faster than cooler water. Preliminary conclusions show that the surface area, side wall cooling, evaporation, and environment are the most important parameters. (DS)

Reports a verification that hot water begins to freeze sooner than cooler water. Includes the investigations that lead to the conclusions that convection is a major influence, water content may have some effect, and the melting of the ice under the container makes no difference on the experimental results. (DS)

Reports the results of an investigation on student understanding of selected topics in heat and temperature, particularly thermal equilibrium, giving evidence for a number of misconceptions about heat and temperature and the relationships between specific heat, heat capacity, and heat transfer. Subjects represented diverse groups with widely…

Presents a solution (in terms of thermodynamics) to a problem related to a slight rise in temperature when three different wines are mixed. (JN)

Discusses the inter-relationships between some important temperature scales such as the Celsius scale, the Kelvin Thermodynamic scale, and the International Practical Temperature Scale (IPTS). Included is a description of the 1968 IPTS with emphasis on innovations introduced in the range below 273.15 k. (CC)

Describes laboratory experiments designed to demonstrate (1) the properties of cholesteric liquid crystals, (2) thermal mapping, (3) thermal diffusivity, (4) adiabatic expansion of rubber, and (5) measurement of radiated energy by a point source. Contains all of the information on materials and apparatus needed to perform the experiments.…

Describes an experiment in which chemistry students determine the efficiency of a laboratory burner used to heat water. The reaction is assumed to be the complete combustion of methane, CH4. The experiment is appropriate for secondary school chemistry students familiar with heats of reaction and simple calorimetry. Contains pre-laboratory and…

Presents a range of experiments in heat conduction suitable for upper-level undergraduate laboratories that make use of heat sensitive liquid crystal film to measure temperature contours. Includes experiments mathematically described by Laplace's equation, experiments theoretically described by Poisson's equation, and experiments that involve…

Identifies practical ways to introduce students to thermodynamic concepts, such as heat and mechanical energy. Introduces three different energy transformations that everyone should be able to envisage. (SOE)