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1999
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February
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In the Classroom
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Thermodynamic Diagrams
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Scot Chaston
Faculty of Applied Science, University of Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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February 1999
Vol. 76 No. 2
p. 216
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| Abstract |
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Thermodynamic data such as equilibrium constants, standard cell potentials, molar enthalpies of formation, and standard entropies of substances can be a very useful basis for an organized presentation of knowledge in diverse areas of applied chemistry. Thermodynamic data can become particularly useful when incorporated into thermodynamic diagrams that are designed to be easy to recall, to serve as a basis for reconstructing previous knowledge, and to determine whether reactions can occur exergonically or only with the help of an external energy source. Few students in our chemistry-based courses would want to acquire the depth of knowledge or rigor of professional thermodynamicists. But they should nevertheless learn how to make good use of thermodynamic data in their professional occupations that span the chemical, biological, environmental, and medical laboratory fields. This article discusses examples of three thermodynamic diagrams that have been developed for this purpose. They are the thermodynamic energy account (TEA), the total entropy scale, and the thermodynamic scale diagrams. These diagrams help in the teaching and learning of thermodynamics by bringing the imagination into the process of developing a better understanding of abstract thermodynamic functions, and by allowing the reader to keep track of specialist thermodynamic discourses in the literature.
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| More Information |
 Citation |
Chaston, Scot. J. Chem. Educ. 1999 76 216.
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Keywords |
Physical Chemistry; Teaching / Learning Aids; Thermodynamics; Environmental Chemistry; Phase Transitions / Diagrams
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
June 15, 1999
June 22, 2005
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| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
1999
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February
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216
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