Development and assessment of research-based tutorials on heat engines and the second law of thermodynamics

The Physics Education Group has been investigating student ability to apply the second law of thermodynamics to cyclic devices such as heat engines and refrigerators. Students enrolled in courses ranging from algebra-based introductory physics to a junior-level thermodynamics course were asked if certain specified processes could occur. Their responses revealed several conceptual difficulties, including the failure to recognize the relevance of the second law to various problems. These findings informed the development of two tutorials to supplement instruction in standard undergraduate courses. Student performance on examination questions indicates that both tutorials can help improve understanding.