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Matthew J. Cochran and Paula R. L. 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.compadre.org/portal/items/detail.cfm?ID=5388">Cochran, Matthew, and Paula R. L. 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>
AIP Format
M. Cochran and P. Heron, , Am. J. Phys. 74 (8), 734 (2006), WWW Document, (https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889).
AJP/PRST-PER
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>.
APA Format
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 April 20, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889
Chicago Format
Cochran, Matthew, and Paula R. L. 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 20 April 2025).
MLA Format
Cochran, Matthew, and Paula R. L. 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. 20 Apr. 2025 <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2198889>.
BibTeX Export Format
@article{
Author = "Matthew Cochran and Paula R. L. 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}
}
Refer Export Format
%A Matthew Cochran %A Paula R. L. 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
EndNote Export Format
%0 Journal Article %A Cochran, Matthew %A Heron, Paula R. L. %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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The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. |
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