Lesson Plan

• Describe the first law of thermodynamics and its relevance to oscillating systems.
• Explain the inter‑conversion of kinetic and potential energy in a simple harmonic oscillator.
• Analyse how damping removes mechanical energy and calculate the resulting heat dissipation.
• Apply the first law to determine energy flows in thermally driven oscillators such as a Stirling engine.
• Solve A‑level style problems involving energy loss to heat in damped oscillators.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Slides with equations and diagrams
• Mass‑spring apparatus (or video demonstration)
• Damping coefficient data sheet
• Worksheet with practice problem
• Calculator or simulation software

Begin with a short video of a vibrating spring that gradually slows, asking students what is happening to the energy. Review the first law of thermodynamics and link it to the idea of energy conservation in mechanical systems. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to quantify the heat produced by damping and apply the law to real oscillators.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on the first law and basic energy forms.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review kinetic & potential energy in a SHO; introduce damping force and its effect on energy.
3. Demonstration (8'): Show a damped mass‑spring (live or video) and discuss heat flow to the surroundings.
4. Guided problem solving (12'): Work through the sample A‑level question step‑by‑step, highlighting where the first law is applied.
5. Group activity (10'): Students calculate heat dissipation for a new oscillator using given parameters and present results.
6. Check for understanding (5'): Exit‑ticket – one sentence explaining how the first law predicts energy loss in a damped system.

Summarise how damping converts mechanical energy into heat and how the first law provides a quantitative framework. Collect exit‑tickets to gauge understanding, and assign a homework problem requiring students to analyse a thermally driven oscillator and compute its efficiency.