2006 Student Research Conference:
19th Annual Student Research Conference

Science

Examination, Reproduction, and Improvement of Joule's Free-Expansion Experiment
David T. Shane
Dr. Mohammad Samiullah, Faculty Mentor

In 1843, Joule performed an experiment in which he tried to measure a temperature change following the free-expansion of a gas. Joule expected and detected no change. Today, with improved thermometry and other apparatus and techniques that allow us to measure the temperature directly, a similar experiement can be performed, this time with detection of the temperature drop we now know should take place. This talk will examine the work of Joule as reported in his own paper, and detail our own ongoing theoretical and experimental work in our attempt to reproduce and improve his experiment.

Keywords: joule, free-expansion, gas, thermodynamics, history, temperature, thermometry, propane

Topic(s):Physics

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 25-3
Location: VH 1416
Time: 10:15

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