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Using Science Fiction To Teach Thermodynamics: Vonnegut, Ice-nine, and Global Warming

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Charles A. Liberko

Department of Chemistry, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1098

J. Chem. Educ., 2004, 81 (4), p 509

DOI: 10.1021/ed081p509

Publication Date (Web): April 1, 2004

Abstract

When covering the topic of thermodynamics at the introductory level, an example from Kurt Vonnegut, Jr's, fictional novel, Cat's Cradle, is used to take what the students have learned and apply it to a new situation. The students are introduced to the hypothetical compound ice-nine, which forms spontaneously when a seed crystal is introduced into the ocean. Using a discussion format, thermodynamic concepts are reviewed and it is determined that the process of converting liquid water to ice–nine must be accompanied by a large increase in the temperature of the surroundings.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Curriculum

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Humor / Puzzles / Games

Keywords (Subject):

Thermodynamics

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