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The Second Law

 

Ratings

Overall Rating:

2.67 stars
Content Quality: 4 stars
Effectiveness: 4 stars
Ease of Use:
Reviewed: Jan 14, 2002 by Chemistry Editorial Board
Overview: Illustration of Second Law using clever energy transmission graphics.
Learning Goals: Understanding energy flow and the microscopic basis of the Second Law
Target Student Population: Physical Chemistry students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: Elementary thermodynamics and energy levels
Type of Material: Animation

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating: 4 stars
Strengths: Transfer of energy between potential and kinetic and between modes is clever.
Concerns: It is hard to effectively evaluate the content because the energy sub applet is distracting. Furthermore, the content doesn't relate to the graphical image. The reader begins to wonder whether the text and the applet are actually related (although of course they are). This applet has wonderful potential. Why not use different sorts of molecules rather than a geometrical cage structure? What is used is not really a molecule.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating: 4 stars
Strengths: Clever energy transmission graphics.
Concerns: The text content is too voluminous to be easily digested by a single student sitting at a terminal. It has to be made more visually appealing otherwise virtually no student will wade through it all . however sad that might be. Will be better with imporved subapplet.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths: marvellous way of showing energy transfer between modes etc. Just excellent.
Very clever.
Concerns: The energy sub applet flickers so much that it is virtually useless. Sometimes clicking the energy button causes a failure or incorrect writing of the button label. The instructions don't relate to the graphical image of the applet. Needs some work on energy applet.
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