The Laws of Thermodynamics
The Laws of Thermodynamics
Peter Atkins
Shane Parrish
Explains the four laws and how they work in relatively accessible language. - Shane Parrish
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The Laws of Thermodynamics

The Laws of Thermodynamics: A Very Short Introduction

Peter Atkins
By
Peter Atkins
3.9
847
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Laws of Thermodynamics," Peter Atkins unfolds the universe's fundamental rules with the grace of a poet and the precision of a scientist. This compact yet powerful volume demystifies the four laws that govern everything from the grandeur of cosmic phenomena to the intricacies of everyday occurrences. With minimal reliance on mathematical formulas, Atkins engages readers in a lucid exploration of how these laws dictate the flow of energy and the inevitability of change, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. From the whimsically named Zeroth Law, through the First and Second, to the profound implications of the Third, Atkins escorts readers through a journey of discovery that illuminates the invisible forces shaping our world. Atkins, a leading authority in thermodynamics, employs his deep understanding and considerable wit to guide us through a narrative that not only explains but captivates. As we traverse topics such as entropy's relentless march and the tantalizing promise of absolute zero, Atkins transforms the abstract and formidable into the graspable and fascinating. This book is not merely an introduction but an invitation to view the universe through the lens of thermodynamic laws, revealing a world where energy's flow and conservation underpin everything from the expansion of galaxies to the cooling of a cup of coffee. "The Laws of Thermodynamics" stands as a testament to the beauty of scientific inquiry, beckoning novices and aficionados alike to marvel at the elegance and complexity of the cosmos.

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Released
1990
1 Jan
Length
120
Pages

1

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recommendation

Explains the four laws and how they work in relatively accessible language. - Shane Parrish
Thermodynamics, like much of the rest of science, takes terms with an everyday meaning and sharpens them—some would say, hijacks them—so that they take on an exact and unambiguous meaning. We shall see that happening throughout this introduction to thermodynamics. It starts as soon as we enter its doors. The part of the universe that is at the centre of attention in thermodynamics is called thesystem. A system may be a block of iron, a beaker of water, an engine, a human body. It may even be a circumscribed part of each of those entities. The rest of the universe is called thesurroundings. The surroundings are where we stand to make observations on the system and infer its properties. Quite often, the actual surroundings consist of a water bath maintained at constant temperature, but that is a more controllable approximation to the true surroundings, the rest of the world. The system and its surroundings jointly make up theuniverse. Whereas for us the universe is everything, for a less profligate thermodynamicist it might consist of a beaker of water (the system) immersed in a water bath (the surroundings).
— Peter Atkins, The Laws of Thermodynamics

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