Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Heat Engine Concepts: The Otto Cycle
Schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of a four-stroke engine cycle. Interactive buttons allow you to step through the various steps of each engine cycle. Each graphic is accompanied by an excellent explanation.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Heat Engine Concepts
An indexing page for the HyperPhysics site. The page contains a concept map of links to a variety of other pages which discuss concepts related to heat engines. All pages contain informative graphics and excellent explanations.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Heat Pump
Heat flow from a hot region to a cold region is described and explained. Applications of this phenomenon (specifically heat pumps and refrigerators) are discussed. Excellent graphics.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Conduction, Convection, and Radiation
Explains the concept of heat transfer and describes conduction, convection, and radiation which are the three modes of heat transfer. Includes formulas, examples, and applications.
University of Sydney (Australia)
Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics [Pdf]
A set of printable pdf pages from the University of Sydney's "Thermal Physics Module" site. Entropy is defined and explained conceptually. The mathematical treatment of entropy is introduced. The second law of thermodynamics and its...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Specific Heat
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students explore the concept of specific heat, learn how it is calculated, and find out how different materials have different specific heat values.
Curated OER
Fund. Of Phys. Geography/energy, Temperature, and Heat
A page describing (in part) the distinction between energy, temperature and heat. Includes graphic illustrating the quantity of energy needed to transform water between its various states. Methods of thermal energy transfer (convection,...
University of Sydney (Australia)
Thermal Physics Module: Ideal Gases [Pdf]
A molecular model of a gas is introduced and explained. Assumptions behind the ideal gas law are presented. The ideal gas law is stated. Charles' law and Boyle's law are derived from the ideal gas law.
Other
Warmair.com: Heat Gain
An excellent page describing the variables lead to rising temperatures in the home. The causes and sources of such heat gain are identified and explained. Lays the groundwork for understanding the importance of and need for home air...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Heat
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart investigates how heat is produced and the effects of heating and cooling and demonstrates how a change in temperature indicates a change in heat. Students will sequence objects according...
Other
Water on the Web
Water on the Web (WOW) is an advanced site allowing students to actively participate in data analysis from real research sites. Lesson plans on a range of topics are provided. There is also a tutorial for using Excel to graph WOW data.
Colorado State University
Colorado State Univ.: Heat Transfer Resistance Modeling
This site from the Colorado State University discusses the tranfer of heat by conduction and convection. Discussion centers around the application of these two heat transfer mechanisms to engines. The variables that effect the resistance...
Other
Advanced Thermoelectric: Fundamental Thermoelectrics
Discusses the scientific principles (the Peltier effect) and the reliability and operation of thermoelectric modules. Includes a link to several other pages, one of which contains an animation of their operation.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Exhibit Cross Reference: Convection Currents
A description of a museum exhibit that illustrates convection and convection currents. Great idea stimulus for a student project or lab investigation.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Specific Heat
This page from Georgia State University provides information on specific heat. Formulas are included. You can also enter in information into the site and have it calculate it for you.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley Lab: University of California: Electromagnetic Radiation
This page defines electromagnetic radiation. Included are links to more information.
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Aaas: Project 2061: Topic: Weather and Climate Ii: Seasonal Differences
[Free Registration/Login Required] Create a science test that checks for student understanding in science, for common misconceptions, as well as for correct ideas. This is a list of key ideas related to Weather and Climate II: Seasonal...
American Chemical Society
Middle School Chemistry: The Ups and Downs of Thermometers
Based on experimental observations, students describe, on the molecular level, why the liquid in a thermometer goes up when it is heated and down when it is cooled.
American Chemical Society
Middle School Chemistry: Changing State: Evaporation
Learn how substances change from a liquid to a gaseous state in the process of evaporation.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Boiling
A module reviewing over how vaporization occurs and its difference from evaporation. Also, review over the definition of boiling point. Module includes a video, pictures, explanation, and review questions.
Curated OER
Ucar: About Temperature
This site from the University Corporation of Atmospheric Research provides a lengthy page covering numerous topics including the difference between heat and temperature, the use of different temperature scales, thermal expansion, how a...
Colorado State University
Csu: Model of Basic Otto Cycle
This site from the Colorado State University discusses the Otto cycle of a car engine. Includes a highly mathematical treatment of the efficiency of such engines. Includes a link to a java applet investigating the efficiency of such...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Law Concepts
This site from Georgia State University Department of Physics and Astronomy is an indexing page for the HyperPhysics site. The page links to a variety of other pages which discuss concepts related to entropy and the second law of...
Museum of Science
Museum of Science and Industry: Online Science: Get the Porridge Just Right
Step-by-step illustrated instructions for an experiment investigating the loss of heat in three bowls of porridge.