Teaching thermodynamics with Physlets® in introductory physics

This paper describes the use of interactive, Physlet[R]-based curricular material designed to help students learn concepts of thermodynamics with a particular focus on the use of kinetic theory models. These exercises help students visualize ideal gas particle dynamics and engine cycles, make concre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physics education 2003-09, Vol.38 (5), p.433-440
Main Authors: Cox, Anne J, Belloni, Mario, Dancy, Melissa, Christian, Wolfgang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computer Simulation
Computer Uses in Education
Ideal gas
Internet
Kinetic theory
Mechanics (Physics)
Molecular Structure
Science Curriculum
Science Instruction
Students
Thermodynamics
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Summary:This paper describes the use of interactive, Physlet[R]-based curricular material designed to help students learn concepts of thermodynamics with a particular focus on the use of kinetic theory models. These exercises help students visualize ideal gas particle dynamics and engine cycles, make concrete connections between mechanics and thermodynamics, and develop a conceptual framework for problem solving. Examples of curricular material from thermodynamics will be presented as well as the Web address for its download. (Contains 7 figures and 7 footnotes.)
ISSN:0031-9120
1361-6552
DOI:10.1088/0031-9120/38/5/309