Chemical stoichiometry is discussed free from kinetic or thermodynamic considerations. The means for determining the following are presented: the number of stoichiometric degrees of freedom, the number of components, a permissible set of chemical equations, and a permissible set of components, for a closed system undergoing chemical reaction.…

Looks at opportunities and needs within the teaching of physics at the secondary level to develop ideas of chance, and to set these within a discussion of some of the problems of what the subject should be like at this level. (Author/GA)

Discusses the possible advantages of decomposing water by means of thermochemical cycles. Explains that, if energy consumption can be minimized, this method is capable of producing hydrogen more efficiently than electrolysis. (GA)

Describes the equilibrium states of a system composed of two interconnected, air-filled spherical membranes of different sizes. The equilibrium configurations are determined by the method of minimization of the availability of the system at constant temperature. (GA)

Discusses the potential and feasibility of future widespread exploitation of the vast geothermal energy resources, that could greatly reduce the need for other forms of energy resources. (GA)

Discusses the criteria and procedure for optimizing the performance of Archibald rubber-band heat engines by using the appropriate choice of dimensions, minimizing frictional torque, maximizing torque and balancing the rubber band system. (GA)

Describes the renormalization group theory of second-order phase transitions suitable for undergraduate statistical physics. (Author/GA)

This article is based on the results of an investigation of the conceptual difficulties experienced by Scottish secondary students studying the topic of chemical equilibrium. Rather than dropping thermodynamics from the curriculum, it is suggested that a new teaching approach is indicated. (Author/MA)

Examines the concept of PdV work and the harmonic oscillator as an example of a thermodynamic system with properties analogous to an ideal gas. (SL)

Describes an experiment for second year students designed to illustrate lectures devoted to electrochemistry and thermodynamics. (SL)

Problems of equilibria in condensed phases (particularly those involving solutes in dilute solutions) are encountered by students in their laboratory work; the thermodynamics of these equilibria is neglected in many textbooks. Therefore, several aspects of this topic are explored, focusing on pressure dependence and choice of standard state. (JN)

Reviews "Thermodynamics" (Cross Educational Software) and "Calorimetry and Thermodynamics" (Educational Materials and Equipment Company). The first package has seven programs (briefly described) while the second package contains virtually an identical subset of the Cross package. (JN)

Kinetic versus thermodynamic control of product formation is discussed in undergraduate textbooks, and journal papers suggest suitable experiments to illustrate this concept. In rationalizing experimental observations, this paper offers a new alternative to that conventionally employed and provides students with an interesting exercise in…

Describes an interactive graphics package which illustrates the phase behavior of binary mixtures. The package has been successfully used with graduate and undergraduate students in the chemical engineering curriculum at Cornell University. Features contributing to this success are noted. (JN)

The method of Clarke and Glew is broadly applicable to studies of the temperature dependence of equilibrium constant measurements. The method is described and examples of its use in comparing calorimetric results and temperature dependent gas solubility studies are provided. (JN)