Syringe Heat Engine

From UO Physics Demonstration Catalog

Return to Entropy and the Second Law

Syringe Engine.jpg

Description:

Demonstrates the direct conversion of heat into mechanical energy. Set the zero point to be about halfway up the syringe. When putting the vessel in the hot water, the syringe will rise (isobaric process). Then taking the weight off the syringe will cause it to rise further (adiabatic expansion). Putting the vessel in the cold water then brings the syringe back down. Finally, putting the weight back on returns the syringe back to its initial position.

Location:

  • Shelf F-2