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Stories to Make Thermodynamics and Related Subjects More Palatable
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Abstract
A collection of vignettes either recounting the personalities of some of the architects of thermodynamics or noting steps and missteps in the development of thermodynamics and the kinetic theory is combined with a set of stories illustrating thermodynamic principles. These offerings turned out to be much more easily remembered by students and were more effective in conveying certain points than a direct, unadorned exposition of thermodynamic laws and applications. For one thing, the stories kept the students awake and receptive to ideas. Students had invariably entered the class having heard horror stories about how tedious and impossibly difficult thermodynamics courses are.
Keywords (Audience):
High School / Introductory ChemistryKeywords (Domain):
History / PhilosophyKeywords (Subject):
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This article has been cited by 4 ACS Journal articles (4 most recent appear below).
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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