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…

Alternative energy sources and the new systems and techniques required for their development are described: fuel cells, magnetohydrodynamics, thermionics, geothermal, wind, tides, waste consersion, biomass, and ocean thermal energy conversion. (MF)

Describes the use of assumptions, restrictions, and constraints in solving difficult analytical problems in engineering. Uses the Navier-Stokes equations as examples to demonstrate use, derivations, advantages, and disadvantages of the technique. (RT)

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)

Compares the magnitude of the proper acceleration of a static observer in a static, isolated, spherically symmetric space-time region with the Newtonian result including the situation in the interior of a perfect-fluid star. This provides a simple physical interpretation of surface gravity and illustrates the global nature of the event horizon.…

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)

Describes a resonance apparatus for the measurement of Cp/Cv for different gases. In the apparatus a magnetically supported piston in a vertical cylindrical glass tube containing the gas is forced into oscillation by means of a standard audio signal generator. (Author/GA)

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)

Describes two experiments designed to provide concepts on the difference between heat and temperature and also bond energy. Investigates both a neutralization experiment and a ligation experiment. Notes inexpensive chemicals are used along with simple equipment. Discusses the sharing of lab results for a single class value. (MVL)

Presents the work of Newton in thermometry and argues that it is a quite distinguished work in this area and exemplifies Newton's brilliance as an experimenter. (PR)

Investigated the problems chemistry majors have with learning distillation concepts in traditional chemistry laboratory courses. Reports that students take the generalized concepts at face value, construct decontextualized concepts for distillation, and cannot interpret their observations or make reasoned decisions based on the theoretical…

A demonstration used in a heat and material balances class that explains how a reusable heat pack works is described. An initial homework problem or exam question is provided with its solution. A discussion of the solution is included. (KR)

How can students develop shared criteria for problems that have no "right" answer? Ill-structured problems of this sort are called design problems. Like portfolio projects, these problems are difficult to evaluate for both teachers and students. This investigation contrasts two methods for developing shared criteria for project…

Students designed and manufactured compact, shell-and-tube heat exchangers in a project-based learning exercise integrated with our heat transfer course. The heat exchangers were constructed from common building materials available at home improvement centers. The cost of materials for a device was less than $20. The project gave students…