Describes how thermodynamics has been integrated into various chemical engineering courses at Pennsylvania State University. Also describes "Introductory Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers," a basic textbook which summarizes aspects of thermodynamics necessary to formulate, design, operate, and control chemical processes of the 1980s.…

Discusses a basic equation in thermodynamics (the fundamental property relation), focusing on a logical approach to the development of the relation where effects other than thermal, compression, and exchange of matter with the surroundings are considered. Also demonstrates erroneous treatments of the relation in three well-known textbooks. (JN)

Describes basic characteristics of the electrochemical cell. Also describes basic principles of electrochemical procedures and use of these concepts to explain use of the term "primarily" in discussions of methods primarily responsive to equilibrium cell potential, bulk ohmic resistance, and the Faradaic impedance. (JN)

The first/second laws of thermodynamics are usually presented as straight physics. Local problems (such as heat engines) may be assigned but seldom is any effort made to examine universal human problems. Considering moral implications of these laws makes them relevant to students, gaining their attention and easing instruction. (Author/JN)

Suggests that energy education, as part of science education, start with processes taking place by themselves, emphasizing that reversing such processes requires a fuel-consuming device. Also suggests that thermodynamics be given greater prominence in courses after studying energy conservation. Includes science education philosophy behind the…

Provides an alternative derivation of the Boltzmann distribution based on the minimization of the Helmholtz free energy. (CS)

Provides information concerning the Boltzmann distribution mentioning partition functions, spectroscopy, basic mathematics, and its relation to temperature distribution. (CS)

Compares several derivations of the Clausius-Mossotti relation to analyze consistently the nature of approximations used and their range of applicability. Also presents a statistical-mechanical calculation of the local field for classical system of harmonic oscillators interacting via the Coulomb potential. (Author/SK)

Suggests a testing format suitable for thermodynamics, including questions and correct answers. Also offers a test question and an acceptable solution focusing on the elimination of certain steps in the glycolytic pathway. (SK)

Derives an expression for the orientational entropy of a rigid rod (electric dipole) from Boltzmann's equation. Subsequent application of Newton's second law of motion produces Debye's classical expression for the relaxation of an electric dipole in a viscous medium. (Author/GS)

Compares neutrino and photon emissions, develops the thermodynamic blackbody laws of neutrino emission analogous to laws governing photon emission, points out that combined radiation from a "true blackbody" consists of both photon and neutrino emissions of comparable magnitude, and speculates upon the existence of blackbody neutrino…

Describes how Gibbs valley graphs can clarify the relation between the Gibbs function and chemical equilibrium. Gives examples from gas phase equilibria. (CS)

Describes the specifics of instruction in thermodynamics using a problem-solving technique introduced in a previous issue of this journal. (CS)

The application of nonequilibrium thermodynamics could lead to new ways of understanding social processes. (BB)

Examines the relationship between the molecular field theory of ferromagnetism and elementary catastrophe theory in order to provide an introduction to the ideas of catastrophe theory. (Author/GA)