Energy and the Price We Pay

Topic objectives

1. Know the different forms of energy with examples of transformations between one form and another.

2. Know the principle of conservation of energy, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and the

meaning of entropy. Be able to discuss the difference between the first and second laws.

3. Know the distinction between material and mechanical theories of heat.

4. Understand what experimental evidence made the caloric theory of heat increasingly successful in the

1700s and the significance of Count Rumford’s cannon boring observations.

5. Know how Carnot contributed to the development of thermodynamics.

6. Understand how Mayer and Joule independently arrived at a mechanical theory of heat and the idea of

conservation of energy, and understand how their respective approaches to this question differed.

7. Know the difference between heat and temperature.

pp. 203 to 211 in textbook

Wednesday Reading, March 30, 2005

pp 211 to 220 in textbook

Questions for Discussion:

1. What is caloric and what were the successes of the caloric theory of heat?

2. Explain how Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) used his cannon boring observations to argue

against the caloric theory of heat.

Friday Reading, April 1, 2005

pp. 221 to 230 in textbook

Questions for Discussion:

1. Falling water turns a waterwheel which runs a generator that lights a lamp. Explain all the energy

transformations involved. Is energy conserved?

2. Explain Carnot’s contribution to the development of thermodynamics. Indicate his rationale for heat

engines and waterwheels being less than 100% efficient.

pp. 230 to 240 in textbook

Questions for Discussion:

1. Describe Joule’s rotating paddles experiment and explain why it is evidence against the caloric theory.

2. In what way does the second law of thermodynamics indicate an “arrow of time” in nature?