Thermodynamics Fundamental Equation of a "non-ideal" Rubber Band from Experiments.

HERNÁN RITACCO; FORTUNATTI, JUAN CRUZ; DEVOTO, WALTER; FERNANDEZ MICONI, EUGENIO; DOMINGUEZ, CLAUDIA; SANCHEZ, MIGUEL

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION

AMER CHEMICAL SOC

Lugar: Washington; Año: 2014 vol. 91 p. 2195 - 2199

0021-9584

In this paper, we describe laboratory and classroom exercises designed to obtain the fundamental equation of a rubber band by combining experiments and theory. The procedure shows students how classical thermodynamics formalism can help to obtain empirical equations of state by constraining and guiding in the construction of the physical models for the system under investigation. It also serves as "experimental" link to statistical thermodynamics models for a rubber band, which is taught to students in more advanced courses. The rubber band system also serves as an example of a "non-ideal" thermodynamics system to introduce a van der Waals-like equation in a context different from gases.