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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2001  > October  >
In the Classroom
Developing an Intuitive Understanding of Free Energy
Hilton M. Weiss
Department of Chemistry, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504

Cover
October 2001
Vol. 78 No. 10
p. 1362

Abstract

By considering macroscopic objects that are mobile--idealized grasshoppers on a golf green--we develop a simple model of a dynamic equilibrium that is governed by energy and entropy factors. This is done quantitatively by the simple counting of hoppers on the green and in the hole, and by seeing the changes in the results when a warmer environment causes the grasshoppers to move more vigorously. This simplified statistical analysis of such an easily visualizable model should lead to an intuitive understanding of the factors that control chemical and physical equilibria.

More Information
*  Citation
Weiss, Hilton M. J. Chem. Educ. 2001 78 1362.
*  Keywords
Equilibrium; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Thermodynamics
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
September 13, 2001
August 31, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2001 > October > Page 1362


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