1. How to represent the role of energy in physical change
LOL Diagrams
How to represent the role of energy in physical change
© Modeling Instruction in Chemistry

2. Constructing an LOL Diagram
Consider this example
A cup of hot coffee cools as it sits on the table.
1. Determine what is in the system
Everything else makes up the surroundings
cup coffee

3. Decide whether Ech is involved
In this case, you start with coffee and end with coffee; particles are not rearranged to form new substances
So, ignore Ech for now.

4. Assign values to Eph
Due to interactions between particles, the energy stored due to the arrangement of particles is ranked: solids < liquids < gases
We choose to represent these phases by using:
Solids = 1 box
Liquids = 2 boxes
Gases = 4 boxes

5. Assign values to Eph
Use two Eph bars before and after
cup coffee

6. Choose bars for Eth depending on temperature
Use 4 bars for hot coffee and 2 bars for room temp coffee
Other values might also work; try to be consistent in your representations
cup coffee

7. Now show energy transfer
Final situation has 2 less bars of E than initial; 2 bars had to leave the system

8. Now, consider phase change
A tray of ice cubes (-8 ˚C) is placed on the counter and becomes water at room temperature
What do we know about the situation?
The system is the tray of ice cubes.
The solid water turns to liquid water - no change in Ech
The Eph increases (solidliquid)
The Eth increases (temp rises)
Now represent these changes in bar graph.

9. Initial & Final States
A tray of ice cubes (-8 ˚C) is placed on the counter and becomes water at room temperature
We generally use 2 bars for room temp and one bar for cold liquid

10. A tray of ice cubes (-8 ˚C) is placed on the counter and becomes water at room temperature
5 – 3 = 2
NOTE: Since the ice does not chemically change while melting we need to keep the Ech the same, other numbers of boxes can work as long as it is the same from initial to final.

11. Notes to keep in mind: We only use whole boxes.
We must have at least one box in each section, even for chemical energy.
If the chemical energy is not changing then just keep it the same in both diagrams.
It is always final – initial when determining length of the arrows.
If it is negative it should point out of the circle.
If it is positive it should point into the circle.