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Many physical chemistry and thermodynamic textbooks above procedures, it is necessary at least to imagine the
state that the thermodynamic properties of a system can possibility of counting the molecules and determining
be considered a s the average of mechanical variables. their velocities. Unfortunately, there is not a microscopic
However, not many examples of an experimental approach observer working like a Maxwell demon and carrying out
to illustrate this statement have been given. The problem this formidable task.
begins with the question of the meaning of average. In re-
ality, there are several averaging procedures that can be - The Knudsen Effusion Method ,
a b
Figure 1 . Schematic representation of averaging procedure over the
molecules ( 1 a) and over the time (1b).
i To the Vacuum System meaning to press) discovered a t the end of the 19th cen-
Figure 3. Schematic representation of the sublimation process. Figure 4. Crystal structure of quartz and cuts of piezoelectric pieces.
-
Figure 5. schematic representation of the piezoelectr~ceffect.
Figure 6. Schematic diagram of the experimental setup as described Figure 8. Graphical representation of experimental results to deter-
In the text. mine the enthalpy of sublimation of naphthalene.
AHYub(298.15K) * (72.15 + 0.50) kJ m0l -' Physrcichemical Propertres. International Union o/'Pure and Applted Chemrstry;
Mamh, K. N.. Ed.; Blackwell: Oxford. 198; Chapter 7, p 272.
Glass Dewar flasks are susceptible to implosion by either mechanical or thermal shocks. A previous article in this
Journal describes using polyethylene bottles to protect Dewar flasks from breakage ( 1 ) .For even greater protection,
Dewar flasks may be purchased encased in metal cylinders, but these are expensive. In order to hold down costs while
improving safety, a homemade metal-encased Dewar was constructed. The cost of the materials is about one-tenth the
cost of a conlmercial flask. The homemade flask has held up well to use with liquid nitrogen.
The steel casing is made from two 13-02 coffee cans. One can has both the top and bottom removed. The other can
has its top removed and four small holes punched in its bottom. The two cans are taped together to form a steel cylinder.
A Thermos brand size 74F or 75F borasilicate glass replacement liner will fit into the cylinder with approximately
3116-in. radial clearance. Two small pieces of cardboard are used to center the Di..ar in the cylinder. A commercial
spray polyurethane-isocyanate foam is then injected through the holes in lhe bottom and along the sides to completely
fill the gap between the Dawar and the cylinder. After the foam cures overnight, trim off any excess. Although quanti-
tative tests have not been conducted, the foam is expected to provide shock resistance, supplement the insulation, and
help to secure the outer wall of the Dewar in the event of a n implosion.
Literature Cited
1 Dymicky, M . J . Chrm. Educ. 1971.48.397
David Ritter
Southeast Missotiri Etats Univcsity
Capa Girardeau, MO 63701