Interdependence of the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics

Autor/inn/en	Kaufman, Richard; Leff, Harvey
Titel	Interdependence of the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics
Quelle	In: Physics Teacher, 60 (2022) 6, S.501-503 (3 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0031-921X
Schlagwörter	Physics; Thermodynamics; Science Instruction; Scientific Principles; Heat; Energy Conservation; Teaching Methods + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Physik; Thermodynamik; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Hitze; Energieerhaltung; Energiespeicherung; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode
Abstract	Historically, classical thermodynamics was developed during attempts to improve the efficiency of steam engines. Those investigations led to the well-known zeroth, first, and second laws of thermodynamics. Although these laws are presented independently, linkages between the zeroth and second laws have been pointed out in the physics teaching literature. In our 2020 paper, "What if Energy Flowed from Cold to Hot? Counterfactual Thought Experiments," we imagined a universe in which energy spontaneously flowed from colder to hotter objects. That paper inspired us to explore the connections between the first law and the Clausius statement of the second law in the present paper. The main objective here is to show that the first and second laws of thermodynamics are interdependent. We begin the next section with an overview of the zeroth, first, and second laws of thermodynamics. We show why the Clausius statement is required to achieve the equilibrium states that are necessary for the first law, i.e., to achieve complete thermal equilibration to a unique equilibrium temperature. We also show that the Clausius statement requires the energy conservation part of the first law to assure that all heat processes conserve energy throughout their duration. After our main results, we have some suggestions to guide teachers on how to incorporate them into the classroom. We believe that if students understand the linkages between the first and second laws, they will have a firmer and richer grasp of thermodynamics. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	American Association of Physics Teachers. One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740. Tel: 301-209-3300; Fax: 301-209-0845; e-mail: pubs@aapt.org; Web site: http://aapt.scitation.org/journal/pte
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01