Discusses difficulties of teaching thermodynamics at the secondary school level, including misconceptions about entropy, teachers' insufficient preparation, and the physical and mathematical nature of the subject. Concludes that thermodynamics has to be reserved for university teaching since it is a "non-pictorial theory" in physical science. (CC)

Describes arguments against teaching thermodynamics at the secondary school level as an argument against teaching it in a certain way. Concludes that an honest and simple presentation of thermodynamic ideas is possible after special steps have been taken to help teachers in understanding the subject. (CC)

Summarizes the thermodynamics of macromolecular systems, including theories and experiments of cyclic energy conversion with rubber and collagen as working substances. Indicates that an early introduction into the concept of chemical potential and solution thermodynamics is made possible through the study of the cyclic processes. (CC)

Limitations of classical mechanics in understanding molecular properties are discussed. Modifications introduced by quantum mechanics enable the instructor to include and integrate important concepts from thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and statistics. (DF)

Discusses the reduction of the one- and three-dimensional diffusion equation to the difference equation and its stability, convergence, and heat-flow applications under different boundary conditions. Indicates the usefulness of this presentation for beginning students of physics and engineering as well as college teachers. (CC)

Various aspects of chemical equilibrium were discussed in six papers presented at the Seventh Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Stillwater, Oklahoma 1982). These include student problems in understanding hydrolysis, helping students discover/uncover topics, equilibrium demonstrations, instructional strategies, and flaws to kinetic…

Three experiments using merocyanine M suitable as an integrated laboratory experience for undergraduates are described. Experiments demonstrate: complete molecular cycle composed of photochemical, thermal, and protolytic reaction steps; kinetics of cis-trans isomerization of the dye; and mechanism of base catalysis for thermal isomerization of the…

Potential-pH diagrams show the domains of redoxpotential and pH in which major species are most stable. Constructing such diagrams provides students with opportunities to decide what species must be considered, search literature for equilibrium constants and free energies of formation, and practice in using the Nernst equation. (Author/JN)

The salient features and importance of chain-reaction polymerization are discussed, including such topics as the thermodynamics of polymerization, free-radical polymerization kinetics, radical polymerization processes, copolymers, and free-radical chain, anionic, cationic, coordination, and ring-opening polymerizations. (JN)

Suggests the topic of macromolecules and synthetic polymers be included in undergraduate courses. Two macromolecular systems (polyethylene in a state unperturbated by long-range interactions and a polypeptide undergoing a helix-coil transition) are described which are suitable for inclusion in the statistical mechanics section of physical…

Reviews the characteristics, reactions, importance, and commercial applications of block and graft copolymers. (JN)

Suggests that students study heats of neutralization of a 1 M solution of an unknown acid by 1 M solution of a strong base using the method continuous variation. Reviews results using several common acids. (SK)