Recent science reform documents have called for incorporating authentic scientific discourse into science classes as engaging in discourse has shown to result in numerous benefits. Whether these benefits are observed in students depends upon the quality of the discourse in which they engage. However, characterizing the quality of student-student…

Describes a course (given to junior/senior students with strong background in thermodynamics and transport phenomena) that covers the theoretical and practical aspects of properties estimation. An outline for the course is included. (JN)

The adoption and use of the lost-work concept has been strongly hindered by the existence in the literature of two different quantities which bear the name "lost work." These two different concepts are discussed, focusing on their similarities and differences. Also discussed are advantages of the lost-work approach over other approaches.…

Shows how a problem from engineering thermodynamics is used to teach process design. Advantages of using this method are noted. (JN)

Describes experiments designed to investigate the cooling rate of microwave-boiled water as compared to that of stove-boiled water. Concludes that within experimental limits, microwave-boiled water and stove-boiled water cool at the same rate. (JRH)

Presents a study designed to evaluate the influence of temperature on the equilibrium and the structural changes of the complexes interpreted in terms of ligand field theory. (CW)

Indicates that teaching of mass transfer can be improved by: (1) using a single, simple definition of mass transfer coefficients; (2) altering use of analogies; and (3) repeatedly stressing differences between mathematical models used for chemical reactions and the actual chemistry of these reactions. Examples for undergraduate/graduate courses…

Explains procedures, observations, and directions for demonstrating properties of butane using reclosable plastic storage bags. States that the demonstration provides for discussion of topics such as the liquefaction of gases, heat of vaporization and refrigeration techniques, and thermodynamics. (RT)

Presents a mathematical and abstract approach to teaching the second law of thermodynamics in physical chemistry that is not used in any undergraduate physical chemistry text to date. (CW)

Thermochemical cycles are used to decide which hypothetical compounds might exist and, if not, what is the factor that condemns them to non-existence. Hypothetical compounds of rare gases provide examples of the approach with added historical interest that thermochemical considerations led to prediction and demonstration that XePtF-6 was stable.…

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)

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)

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)