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The Laws of Thermodynamics: A Very Short Introduction
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Product Description
From the sudden expansion of a cloud of gas or the cooling of a hot metal, to the unfolding of a thought in our minds and even the course of life itself, everything is governed by the four Laws of Thermodynamics. These laws specify the nature of 'energy' and 'temperature', and are soon revealed to reach out and define the arrow of time itself: why things change and why death must come. In this Very Short Introduction Peter Atkins explains the basis and deeper implications of each law, highlighting their relevance in everyday examples. Using the minimum of mathematics, he introduces concepts such as entropy, free energy, and to the brink and beyond of the absolute zero temperature. These are not merely abstract ideas: they govern our lives. In this concise and compelling introduction Atkins paints a lucid picture of the four elegant laws that, between them, drive the Universe.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Peter Atkins promises at the outset that this will not be a light read, and it isn't, at least not if you want to really take it all in and much of it is new to you. Gibbs energy and Helmholtz energy are discussed, as are negative (below absolute zero) temperatures. For a very short introduction to the subject, it goes into considerable depth.
You would need no more than an average grasp of High School maths and science to follow the arguments completely, and not even that if you are just seeking a flavour of what the subject is about and are willing to settle for less than a thorough understanding.
Atkins writes very well, with clarity, elegance and an infectious enthusiasm. There is certainly no lack of the latter - he describes these laws as 'a mighty handful' that drive the Universe, and claims that 'no other scientific law has contributed more to the liberation of the human spirit than the second law of Thermodynamics'. I'm not sure about that, but I do now appreciate the fundamental importance of these laws and how they are crucial to understanding how Nature works.
[PeterReeve]
You would need no more than an average grasp of High School maths and science to follow the arguments completely, and not even that if you are just seeking a flavour of what the subject is about and are willing to settle for less than a thorough understanding.
Atkins writes very well, with clarity, elegance and an infectious enthusiasm. There is certainly no lack of the latter - he describes these laws as 'a mighty handful' that drive the Universe, and claims that 'no other scientific law has contributed more to the liberation of the human spirit than the second law of Thermodynamics'. I'm not sure about that, but I do now appreciate the fundamental importance of these laws and how they are crucial to understanding how Nature works.
[PeterReeve]
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One of the difficulties in teaching A level is that the text books tend to be curriculum specific. This means the basic concepts are often stirred in with various calculations and practical investigations.
If you are to teach any subject you need to nail the basic concepts and theory first and that's what these very short introductions (VSIs) do very well. I am currently working through thermodynamics as I will be teaching this again soon and it is not a favourite subject however the VSI has helped clarify key points and has given some useful analogies that will be used in the classroom.
These should be in the school library and listed as recommended reading for all A level physics students and teachers old and new.
If you are to teach any subject you need to nail the basic concepts and theory first and that's what these very short introductions (VSIs) do very well. I am currently working through thermodynamics as I will be teaching this again soon and it is not a favourite subject however the VSI has helped clarify key points and has given some useful analogies that will be used in the classroom.
These should be in the school library and listed as recommended reading for all A level physics students and teachers old and new.
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I'm sure this is an excellent read.
However, it's pretty much a direct reprint of the same author's work Four Laws That Drive the Universe. If you've already read that book, then don't bother to buy this, the same book under a different title.
However, it's pretty much a direct reprint of the same author's work Four Laws That Drive the Universe. If you've already read that book, then don't bother to buy this, the same book under a different title.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
This book is sweet
When I first bought this book I was I little worried I wouldn't be able to understand it because I'm only 16 but if you interested in thermodynamics and don't mind go other the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by DickTracy
Very Special book
I ordered a second copy, so as to always have this little gem with me. Detailed enough but not too complex, well written, this Short Introduction is one of the very best of the... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Mr. Raymond L. Hall
Excellent Primer
Short but packed with useful information. Gives a concise and understandable (to this layman anyway) explanation of a topic that is, I suspect, difficult for most non scientists to... Read more
Published 20 months ago by cb
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