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written by
Matthew J. Cochran and Paula Heron
We report on an investigation of student ability to apply the second law of thermodynamics to cyclic devices such as heat engines and refrigerators. Students enrolled in courses ranging from algebra-based introductory physics to a junior-level thermodynamics course were asked if certain specified processes could occur. Their responses revealed several conceptual difficulties, including the failure to recognize the relevance of the second law to various problems. These findings informed the development of two tutorials to supplement instruction in standard undergraduate courses. Student performance on examination questions indicates that both tutorials can help improve understanding.
American Journal of Physics: Volume 74, Issue 8, Pages 734-741
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![]() <a href="https://www.per-central.org/items/detail.cfm?ID=5388">Cochran, Matthew, and Paula Heron. "Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics." Am. J. Phys. 74, no. 8, (August 1, 2006): 734-741.</a>
![]() M. Cochran and P. Heron, , Am. J. Phys. 74 (8), 734 (2006), WWW Document, (https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889).
![]() M. Cochran and P. Heron, Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics, Am. J. Phys. 74 (8), 734 (2006), <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889>.
![]() Cochran, M., & Heron, P. (2006, August 1). Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics. Am. J. Phys., 74(8), 734-741. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889
![]() Cochran, Matthew, and Paula Heron. "Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics." Am. J. Phys. 74, no. 8, (August 1, 2006): 734-741, https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889 (accessed 1 June 2023).
![]() Cochran, Matthew, and Paula Heron. "Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics." Am. J. Phys. 74.8 (2006): 734-741. 1 June 2023 <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889>.
![]() @article{
Author = "Matthew Cochran and Paula Heron",
Title = {Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics},
Journal = {Am. J. Phys.},
Volume = {74},
Number = {8},
Pages = {734-741},
Month = {August},
Year = {2006}
}
![]() %A Matthew Cochran %A Paula Heron %T Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics %J Am. J. Phys. %V 74 %N 8 %D August 1, 2006 %P 734-741 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889 %O application/pdf ![]() %0 Journal Article %A Cochran, Matthew %A Heron, Paula %D August 1, 2006 %T Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics %J Am. J. Phys. %V 74 %N 8 %P 734-741 %8 August 1, 2006 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889 Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
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