On Teaching Thermodynamics

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Bibliographic Details
Title: On Teaching Thermodynamics
Language: English
Authors: Debbasch, F.
Source: European Journal of Physics. Jan 2011 32(1):15-24.
Availability: Institute of Physics Publishing. The Public Ledger Building Suite 929, 150 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 215-627-0880; Fax: 215-627-0879; e-mail: info@ioppubusa.com; Web site: http://www.iop.org/EJ/journal/EJP
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2011
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Descriptors: Thermodynamics, Science Instruction, Scientific Principles, Geometry, College Science, Graduate Study, Energy, Chemistry
DOI: 10.1088/0143-0807/32/1/002
ISSN: 0143-0807
Abstract: The logical structure of classical thermodynamics is presented in a modern, geometrical manner. The first and second law receive clear, operatively oriented statements and the Gibbs free energy extremum principle is fully discussed. Applications relevant to chemistry, such as phase transitions, dilute solutions theory and, in particular, the law of mass action, are also addressed in a very detailed and novel manner. The material is best suited to graduate level students and professors, and it brings classical thermodynamics closer to other branches of university physics where geometry plays a key role. (Contains 4 footnotes.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 11
Entry Date: 2010
Accession Number: EJ907124
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The logical structure of classical thermodynamics is presented in a modern, geometrical manner. The first and second law receive clear, operatively oriented statements and the Gibbs free energy extremum principle is fully discussed. Applications relevant to chemistry, such as phase transitions, dilute solutions theory and, in particular, the law of mass action, are also addressed in a very detailed and novel manner. The material is best suited to graduate level students and professors, and it brings classical thermodynamics closer to other branches of university physics where geometry plays a key role. (Contains 4 footnotes.)
ISSN:0143-0807
DOI:10.1088/0143-0807/32/1/002