All Thermodynamics articles – Page 4

Experiment
Exothermic metal–acid reactions

In association with Nuffield Foundation

Use this class practical to explore the temperature changes resulting from adding different metals to hydrochloric acid. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Experiment
Comparing heat energy from burning alcohols

In association with Nuffield Foundation

Investigate the amounts of heat energy produced by the combustion of different alcohols in this class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Experiment
The effect of concentration on equilibrium | Le Chatelier’s principle

In association with Nuffield Foundation

Illustrate the reversible reaction between bismuth(III) oxychloride and bismuth(III) chloride in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
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Problem based practical activities

Discover how chemistry can relate to real world problems, so students can put their science knowledge into context.
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The second law of thermodynamics

This activity aims to introduce the topic in a way that uses the students’ synthesis skills to piece together several pieces of information.
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Entropy and equilibrium

This activity shows the students the fundamental link between entropy and equilibrium and increases students’ understanding of scientific models. It highlights the importance of mathematical descriptions in physical chemistry.
Experiment
A spontaneous exothermic reaction

In association with Nuffield Foundation

Illustrate the reaction between glycerol and potassium manganate(VII) to produce flames and steam in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Experiment
Exothermic or endothermic? Classifying reactions

In association with Nuffield Foundation

Decide whether various reactions are exothermic or endothermic by measuring temperature change in this practical. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Experiment
Thermal decomposition of metal carbonates

In association with Nuffield Foundation

Use this class practical to compare the thermal stabilities of carbonates of reactive and less reactive metals. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
Resource
Making ice | In Search of More Solutions | 11–14 years

Explore the properties of water and ice in this planning activity
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Finding the ‘rate expression’ for the reaction between iodine and tin

Explore rate reaction between two substances, and design an experiment to measure it. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
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Design a pocket handwarmer

Create your own rechargeable exothermic reaction, and keep your fingers toasty with this hand warmer experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
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Cool it | In search of more solutions | 14–16 years

Devise a method of reducing the temperature of water to 6.5°C using citric acid and bicarbonate of soda.
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A hot dinner from a can

Thermochemistry and enthalpy are the topics on the menu for this class experiment. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
News
Alkali metal explosion explained

2015-03-09T00:00:00Z

Re-examining a classic classroom demo
Resource
On This Day – Aug 08 : Henri Hess was born

He studied energy changes during chemical reactions, and postulated a method of predicting them – Hess’s Law. This is now routinely used by chemists to make predictions for enthalpy changes.
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Post-16 thermodynamics tutorials

In association with Reckitt Benckiser

Thinking about how to teach thermodynamics? Try these tutorials, including videos and animations, to help post-16 students learn about the key topics.
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Thermodynamic calculations and sherbet lemons | Chemistry Olympiad worked answers

In association with The Wolfson Foundation

Try this worked example of a Chemistry Olympiad question, investigating properties of ingredients in sherbet lemons. Includes video walkthrough and transcript.
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Enthalpy and the chemistry of matches | Chemistry Olympiad worked answers

In association with The Wolfson Foundation

Try this worked example of a Chemistry Olympiad question on enthalpy change and the chemistry behind matches. Includes video walkthrough and transcript.
Opinion
Teaching thermochemistry

2014-06-02T19:34:00Z

A survey of some useful recent articles on the teaching of thermochemistry and thermodynamics for second and third level students