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Introduction of Entropy via the Boltzmann Distribution in Undergraduate Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach
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Abstract
Several problems that hinder optimal communication with students in the conventional introduction to thermodynamics are identified. Even though students from their first course focus on chemistry as a molecular science, most texts in physical chemistry begin with the phenomenological Clausius formulation, thereby emphasizing its macroscopic aspect; the others concentrate on so-called "positional" entropy thus decoupling it from the entropy of heat exchange. The suggested approach uses simple examples based on the Boltzmann distribution to introduce the concept of entropy consistently on a molecular basis by emphasizing energy distribution among the accessible microstates but bypassing the complexities of statistics. Thereby, a connection between the increase of entropy on expansion as well as on heating can be shown. A clear illustration is provided for the basic tenet of the second law, the spontaneous transfer of thermal energy from hot to cold bodies.
Keywords (Audience):
Upper-Division UndergraduateKeywords (Domain):
Physical ChemistryKeywords (Subject):
ThermodynamicsCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 5 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).
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Stephen F. CartierJournal of Chemical Education2009 86 (12), 1397As an alternative to the "thermodynamics first" or "quantum first" approaches to the physical chemistry curriculum, the statistical definition of entropy and the Boltzmann distribution are introduced in the first days of the course and the entire two-...
A Study of Turkish Chemistry Undergraduates' Understanding of Entropy
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Judith M. Bennett , Mustafa SözbilirJournal of Chemical Education2007 84 (7), 1204This study explores Turkish chemistry undergraduates' understanding of entropy and identifies and classifies their misunderstandings. For this purpose, a diagnostic questionnaire and semi-structured interviews—before and after teaching—were used. Two ...
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Arnd H. JungermannJournal of Chemical Education2006 83 (11), 1686In contrast to most other thermodynamic data, entropy values are not given in relation to a certain—more or less arbitrarily defined—zero level. They are listed in standard thermodynamic tables as absolute values of specific substances. Therefore these ...
Give Them Money: The Boltzmann Game, a Classroom or Laboratory Activity Modeling Entropy Changes and the Distribution of Energy in Chemical Systems
Bridget Michalek , Robert M. HansonJournal of Chemical Education2006 83 (4), 581Give Them Money: The Boltzmann Game, a Classroom or Laboratory Activity Modeling Entropy Changes and the Distribution of Energy in Chemical Systems
Bridget Michalek , Robert M. HansonJournal of Chemical Education2006 83 (4), 581Described here is a short, simple activity we call the "Boltzmann game" that can be used in any high school or college chemistry classroom or lab to explore the way energy is distributed in real chemical systems and as an entry into discussions of the ...
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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