PERC 2013 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | The Partial Derivative Machine |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Research has shown that students struggle to understand the use of partial derivatives in thermodynamics. We have designed an apparatus, which we have called a Partial Derivative Machine, that serves as a mechanical analogue of a thermodynamic system. Using this device, students have a tangible way to wrestle with issues related to partial derivatives and thermodynamics, such as which variables are held fixed, how many variables are independent, and how energy can be added to a system. In this paper, we present a description of the apparatus, an introduction to the associated activities, and an overview of how this apparatus can be connected to thermodynamic systems. *Supported by NSF DUE 1023120 |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Grant Sherer Department of Physics 301 Weniger Hall Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-6507 Phone: (541) 737-1695 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
David Roundy, Mary Bridget Kustusch, and Corinne A. Manogue |
