Entropy Concept

Demonstrations in Entropy

Two large round-bottom glass flasks on clear cylindrical bases, each containing four white and four red foam balls. The balls sit mixed in the flask bodies and necks.

Maxwell's Demon

Two identical-looking flasks of colored balls are spun — one separates by color, the other doesn't. Demonstrates that apparent ordering requires an outside energy-dissipating mechanism, connecting to the Second Law …
Top: Full setup showing the vortex tube on the lecture bench with two projection thermometers displayed on an overhead projector. Bottom: Close-up of the vortex tube mounted on a base plate with thermometer probes inserted into both outlet ends on rod stands.
Safety

Vortex Tube

Compressed air entering a vortex tube (Ranque-Hilsch tube) spontaneously separates into hot and cold streams at opposite ends. Students observe a striking, counterintuitive result that appears to violate the Second …
Bright yellow-orange fireball from an ignited hydrogen balloon, with the candle stick visible entering from the lower right
Safety

Hydrogen Balloon

Igniting a hydrogen-filled balloon produces a dramatic fireball and loud bang, demonstrating exothermic combustion. Contrasting with an inert helium balloon highlights the difference between reactive and noble gases. The sound …