Second Law of Thermodynamics

Plan an Investigation: Student Guide

Pre-Lab Information
Purpose Plan an investigation to explore the transfer of thermal energy in a system.

Time Approximately 50 minutes

Question How is entropy related to the transfer of thermal energy in a system?

Summary Use the first and second law of thermodynamics to plan and conduct an investigation that
confirms that two objects of different temperatures will reach thermodynamic equilibrium
when combined in either an open system or a closed system. Use the law of
conservation of energy and the heat equation to mathematically determine the
temperature of the equilibrium state. Include a series of detailed drawings of your
investigational setup or any device you create for this project. These drawings should
include enough information that someone without prior knowledge of your project could
reproduce it. Multiple trials should be run and graphed to determine an average value of
the heat transferred during this investigation.

Safety
 Ensure that behavior in the lab is purposeful.

 Report all accidents—no matter how big or small—to your teacher.

 Wear goggles and clothing that is appropriate for working in a lab environment.

 Use caution when heating substances on a hot plate or over a Bunsen burner.

 Always use appropriate heating pads or tongs to handle hot objects.

 Wash your hands thoroughly after handling all lab materials.

Background Information
Heat is thermal energy that flows from one substance to another due to a temperature difference. The
formula to calculate heat is Q = mc ∆ T .

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can be transformed and transferred but not created or
destroyed. This is known as conservation of energy.

The second law of thermodynamics states that when substances of differing temperatures are in contact,
thermal energy flows from the substance with the higher temperature to the substance with the lower
temperature. This transfer of thermal energy is an irreversible process.

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Figure 1:

Figure 1: Object B is hotter than Object A.

Figure 2:

Figure 2: Object B is placed inside of Object A to form a closed system. Heat flows from Object B to
Object A during an irreversible transfer of thermal energy.

Figure 3:

Figure 3: After a period of time, Objects A and B have reached a new temperature and are in thermal
equilibrium.

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 Student Guide (continued)

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 Student Guide (continued)

Lab Procedure
Here is an outline of the steps you should follow to plan your investigation for this lab. Later in the guide,
you will have space to develop your ideas, collect data, analyze and discuss results, and draw
conclusions.

Step 1: Determine the types of data you will gather and the tools of measurement you will use to
collect the data.

How will you gather data for your investigation? If gathering quantitative data, you may want to
devise a table in which you can record your results in an organized manner. Also, consider how
you will record any qualitative or descriptive data in addition to your numerical results. You
should use a pencil to record data.

Step 2: Devise an investigation to examine how entropy is related to the transfer of thermal
energy in a system.

Develop the main steps and describe how you will run the investigation. Your teacher will guide
you on what materials are available for your investigation.

Step 3: Stop. Have your teacher sign off on Steps 1 and 2 before you continue the investigation.

Step 4: Gather materials and set up your investigation.

Now that you know what you will do, gather the necessary items. Besides the objects you will
investigate, make sure you have the necessary equipment to take measurements. If you are
working with lab partners, make sure each person knows his or her role in running the
investigation. Check your setup and make sure everything is in order before you proceed.

Step 5: Run your investigation.

As you proceed with your investigation, make sure you record all the necessary data and, if
working in groups, the role each student performed during the investigation. Make sure all
elements of your investigation are complete. Do not forget to clean up when you are done!

Step 6: Use the High School Lab Report Guide to write your lab report.

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 Student Guide (continued)

Exploring How Entropy Is Related to the Transfer of Thermal Energy

in a System
Step 1: Determine the types of data you will gather and the tools of measurement you will use to
collect the data.

Make a list of the types of data you plan to collect. If gathering quantitative data, you may want
to devise a table in which you can record your results in an organized manner.

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 Student Guide (continued)

Step 2: Devise an investigation to examine how entropy is related to the transfer of thermal
energy in a system.

Write the steps of your investigation. Include multiple detailed sketches of your investigational
setup.

Step 3: Stop. Have your teacher sign off on Steps 1 and 2 before you continue the investigation.

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 Student Guide (continued)

Step 4: Gather materials and set up your investigation.

Gather the necessary items and equipment. If you are working with lab partners, make sure
each person knows his or her role in running the investigation. Document the roles here.

Student Name Role

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Step 5: Run your investigation.

Record your data and observations in the space below. Do not forget to clean up when you are
done!

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 Student Guide (continued)

Step 6: Use the High School Lab Report Guide to write your lab report.

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