ENERGY AND EQUILIBRIUM-THE LAWS OF THERMODYNAMICS
What is Thermodynamics?
Thermodynamics refers to the study of energy transformation, and it is through these studies that fundamental laws of nature have been determined that allow us to predict why some changes may occur while others may not. In relation to chemistry, thermodynamics is used to determine the role that heat and energy play in chemical reactions. The laws of thermodynamics allow predictions about chemical and physical changes or reactions to be made.,
Thermodynamics refers to the study of energy transformation, and it is through these studies that fundamental laws of nature have been determined that allow us to predict why some changes may occur while others may not. In relation to chemistry, thermodynamics is used to determine the role that heat and energy play in chemical reactions. The laws of thermodynamics allow predictions about chemical and physical changes or reactions to be made.,
LESSON OVERVIEW (SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS: E2..1)
Lesson Hook:
This topic is relatively heavy in mathematical calculations and formula manipulations. As such, a mind blowing demonstration to get students to understand the consequence of thermodynamic calculations is a good way to keep them engaged. A demonstration of the beautifully exothermic reaction of sodium metal in water is sure to get a reaction from the class! To preform this simple demo, all that is needed is a beaker filled with water and a chunk of sodium metal. Simply put on the goggles, grab the tongs, drop a piece in and be prepared to amaze your students!
This topic is relatively heavy in mathematical calculations and formula manipulations. As such, a mind blowing demonstration to get students to understand the consequence of thermodynamic calculations is a good way to keep them engaged. A demonstration of the beautifully exothermic reaction of sodium metal in water is sure to get a reaction from the class! To preform this simple demo, all that is needed is a beaker filled with water and a chunk of sodium metal. Simply put on the goggles, grab the tongs, drop a piece in and be prepared to amaze your students!
Action:
While explaining Gibbs free energy, spontaneity and equilibrium, the use of examples such as fireworks or a "dead" car battery may help to put the calculations into a context that will keep students engaged while learning yet another set of calculations and relationships. The use of practice questions throughout the lesson will help cement the learning of more variables and the relationships between them. Visual aids and videos can also be used to break up the monotony of energy calculations.
While explaining Gibbs free energy, spontaneity and equilibrium, the use of examples such as fireworks or a "dead" car battery may help to put the calculations into a context that will keep students engaged while learning yet another set of calculations and relationships. The use of practice questions throughout the lesson will help cement the learning of more variables and the relationships between them. Visual aids and videos can also be used to break up the monotony of energy calculations.
Debrief:
Have each student come up with one exothermic and one endothermic reaction along with the characteristics of each such as spontaneity, Gibbs free energy change and which way the reaction would have to shift to achieve equilibrium as an exit slip and then use the exit slips to gauge for student understanding.
FOPP: Commitment to students and student learning and professional practice
Have each student come up with one exothermic and one endothermic reaction along with the characteristics of each such as spontaneity, Gibbs free energy change and which way the reaction would have to shift to achieve equilibrium as an exit slip and then use the exit slips to gauge for student understanding.
FOPP: Commitment to students and student learning and professional practice
The concept of Thermodynamics can be reinforced in a variety of ways to appeal to all forms of multiple intellegences. Click below for a few resources that can be used in conjunction with a lesson to further demonstrate the concept of dynamic equilibrium.