DTA is a technique in which the temperature difference between sample/reference is measured as a function of temperature, while both are subject to a controlled temperature program. Use of a simple DTA-apparatus in demonstrating catalytic effects of manganese dioxide and aluminum oxide on decomposition temperature of potassium chlorate is…

Describes an experiment illustrating how such chemical concepts as light absorption, thermodynamics, and solid-state photovoltaics can be incorporated into solar energy education. Completed in a three-hour period, the experiment requires about two hours for data collections with the remaining hour devoted to calculations and comparison of results.…

Euler's theorem for homogenous functions is useful when developing thermodynamic distinction between extensive and intensive variables of state and when deriving the Gibbs-Duhem relation. Discusses Euler's theorem and thermodynamic applications. Includes six-step instructional strategy for introducing the material to students. (Author/JN)

Since Maxwell's relations are derived in general form from the first to second laws, and students often wonder what they mean and how they are used, appropriate partition functions for van der Waals gas and the nuclear paramagnetic system are used to obtain entropy expressions and equations of state. (Author/SK)

Discussed are the calculations of heats of combustions of some selected fossil fuel compounds such as some foreign shale oils and United States coals. Heating values for coal- and petroleum-derived fuel oils are also presented. (HM)

Discusses the works by six contemporary American novelists that illustrate the current state of "physics fiction." The discussed examples of physics fiction ranged from the fluent and frequent inclusion of the casual, to the elaborate systems of physics metaphors. (GA)

Presents a step-by-step approach to be used in solving different forms of physics problems, starting from familiar grounds and finding well known results on the way. Uses the rate of heat flow and the resulting changes of temperature with time of a copper block as an example. (GA)

Describes an undergraduate physical chemistry experiment which demonstrates the principles of solution calorimetry and the entropy titration technique. (CS)

Discusses the state of the early universe based upon deductions from current observations. (SA)

Shows that upon incorporating an irreversible step into an otherwise reversible Carnot Cyclic process there results a diminution of thermodynamic efficiency and a simultaneous augmentation of the entropy of the universe. (Author/HM)

Presented are two problem exercises involving rapid compression and expansion of ideal gases which illustrate the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The first problem involves the conversion of gravitational energy into heat through mechanical work. The second involves the mutual interaction of two gases through an adiabatic piston. (BT)

Discusses the stability of the three-electron bond from a thermodynamic and kinetic standpoint using molecular orbital theory. (MLH)

Heat changes in a lecture setting can be safely shown on an overhead projector using a simple and inexpensive apparatus. Heat evolution can be observed on a projector with adapted digital thermometers or by illuminating the red fluid in nonmercury thermometers. Describes a setup for doing this as well as a collection of demonstrations involving…

Discusses some of the conceptual difficulties encountered by undergraduate students in learning certain aspects of chemical equilibrium and thermodynamics. Discusses teaching strategies for dealing with these difficulties. (JRH)

Describes an activity in which the story of "Frosty the Snowman" is reviewed and students are challenged to come up with ways to save Frosty. In cooperative groups, students brainstorm, share ideas, and write a prelaboratory report. After the approval of plans by the teacher students construct the snowmen and begin the three-day experiment. (DDR)