: Course site under construction.

The “Math Interlude” is a one-week introduction to the mathematics involved in thermodynamics, that we teach prior to Energy and Entropy. The approach of this interlude is to use the Partial Derivative Machine to provide a physical system to which we can apply mathematical techniques such as total differentials and partial derivatives, and with which students can begin to understand fundamental concepts such as state variables.

For instructions on building your own PDM, see the Partial Derivative Machine page.

• For students to understand (be able to evaluate, interpret, and use) partial derivatives
• For students to understand how to use the Partial Derivative Machine as an analog for thermodynamic processes
• For students to understand (be able to perform, interpret, and use) total differentials
• For students to understand (be able to derive, interpret, and use) Maxwell Relations
• For students to understand (be able to use and interpret) Legendre Transforms

Sample syllabus:

Textbook: None

• All activities for Interlude
• All small whiteboard questions for Interlude
  (What are SWBQs?)