Thermodynamics and engine cycles are relevant to most areas of technology and science.
The behaviour of gases is used directly in applications as diverse as compressors, refrigerators, power generation from steam-driven turbines (used in gas-fired, coal-fired or nuclear power stations), pumping of gases (from natural gas pipe networks to aqualungs), and transport vehicles using petrol and diesel engines (combustion engines), jet and rocket engines, high performance tyres (e.g. for F1 cars) and even hot air balloons!
Thermodynamics is relevant far more widely though and to any system in which there is a change in energy, volume or ordering. This is relevant to almost every process around us, from sub-atomic particles forming atoms to the expansion of the universe and taking in atoms bonding to make a molecule or crystal (Physics), molecules reacting with each other (Chemistry), all biological processes (Biology), the weathering of rocks and tectonic plate movement (Geology). Even your breathing while you read this and your eye converting light into electrical signals so you can read this are thermodynamic processes. All energy technologies, materials manufacturing or recycling, chemical processing, transport technologies and even information technologies rely upon the principles of thermodynamics.
Thermodynamics and gas laws are, therefore, incredibly important topics. The FlashyScience Gas Laws virtual experiment allows you to start to explore this fascinating area of science and engineering.
Use this experiment to find out more!
Download the file below for the quick guide for the Gas Laws experiment (requires login).
Download the ‘How To’ attachments for step-by-step instructions on conducting experiments for:
- Constant pressure
- Constant temperature
- Constant volume
Download the files below for activities for the Gas Laws experiment (requires login).
- QUICK ACTIVITIES: 4 quick activities to try
- ACTIVITY 1: Temperature calibration
- ACTIVITY 2: Isothermal compression
- ACTIVITY 3: Constant pressure (isobaric) – Charles’ Law
- ACTIVITY 4: Constant volume (isovolumetric) – Gay-Lussac Law
- ACTIVITY 5: Adiabatic compression
- ACTIVITY 6: Thermodynamic cycles (Advanced users)
(Available as separate downloads and all activities)
*NEW* Now also available in editable Microsoft Word format
