Presents the history surrounding the evolution of the second law of thermodynamics. Discusses Sadi Carnot's contributions, but also refers to those by Clapeyron, Thomson, Joule, Clausius, and Boltzman among others. (RR)

Presents a mathematical and abstract approach to teaching the second law of thermodynamics in physical chemistry that is not used in any undergraduate physical chemistry text to date. (CW)

The focus of this study was to portray the ideas that students with four years experience in learning physics developed in regard to the second law of thermodynamics. Data were obtained through 34 clinical interviews with grade 10 students. An analysis of student arguments revealed deeply rooted difficulties in using concepts that were learned in…

Second law of thermodynamics is described in several ways. Explanations of the concepts of energy and entropy are provided. (PS)

Introduces a chemical model illustrating the aspects of the second law of thermodynamics which explains concepts such as reversibility, path dependence, and extrapolation in terms of electrochemistry and calorimetry. Presents a thought experiment using an ideal galvanic electrochemical cell. (YDS)

Describes a train of thought which advocates the use of the second law of thermodynamics in energy and economic policy considerations. (CP)

Describes a short undergraduate experiment which helps in explaining the concept of entropy and in illustrating the second law of thermodynamics. (GA)

Applications of the first and second laws of thermodynamics to a biological system (running) are presented. Seven homework problems and four detailed examples are included. (JN)

Illustrates the mathematical relationships between the enthalpy, free energy, and entropy of a chemical reaction using the first and second laws of thermodynamics. (MLH)

Shows that the second law of thermodynamics is in the common experience of many people and if taught first, before the law of conservation, can result in fewer misconceptions among pupils. Stresses the use of common experiences in teaching. (CW)

Demonstrates that the second law of thermodynamics imposes a fundamental constraint upon the process of composition; examines the consequences of this constraint for writers and teachers of writing. (DD)

Teaching and learning introductory thermodynamics has drawn considerable research attention over the last two decades, especially in several disciplines of higher education. Under particular investigation is the First Law of Thermodynamics (FLT), which offers an expression of energy conservation in thermodynamic systems, as the evidence shows that…

Through the use of some purposeful anachronisms, Tom Stoppard uses his 1993 play "Arcadia" to explore the effects on man's psyche of the transition from Newton's Laws to the laws of thermodynamics and from thermodynamics to chaos theory. However, remarkably similar reactions to these changes are also reflected in works from the actual time periods…

In the traditional statistical mechanics textbooks, the entropy concept is first introduced for the microcanonical ensemble and then extended to the canonical and grand-canonical cases. However, in the authors' experience, this procedure makes it difficult for the student to see the bigger picture and, although quite ingenuous, the subtleness of…

This study aimed to determine the relationships that prospective science teachers have established between thermodynamics and environmental problems. The study was conducted with the case study method. The sample consisted of 74 senior prospective science teachers selected by purposive sampling and studied in Science Teaching Department in the…