Naming Thermodynamic Variables

Highlights of the activity

1. Students are asked to name any important thermodynamic variables.
2. After omitting any repetitive variables, students will write the variables on separate note cards.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

Thermodynamics has numerous variables that are used commonly. After writing all of the proposed variables on the board, the students will be presented the more common variables as well as see the omission of any variables that are considered redundant. This activity also provides the professor an opportunity to find what variables the majority of the class is already familiar with. Having students write the thermodynamic variables on note cards provides students with the note cards used in the Finding Conjugate Pairs and Finding Intensive and Extensive Variables activities. The note cards also provide students with an additional study tool for future classes and activities.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version