The Second Law (Scientific American Library) - Hardcover

P. W. Atkins

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 071675004X ISBN 13: 9780716750048

Publisher: Scientific American Books - W. H. Freeman & Co., 1984

Synopsis

The novelist and physicist C. P. Snow once remarked that not knowing the Second Law of thermodynamics was analogous to never having read a work of Shakespeare's. This profusproductely illustrated volume breaks down the mathematical barriers that have prevented many from understanding this fundamental principle of energy transformation and describes the origin, atomic basis, and wide-ranging applications of this central, unifying description of all natural change.

Simply stated, the Second Law recognizes the intrinsic asymmetry in nature. Aspects of this asymmetry can be found all around us: hot objects cool, but cool objects do not spontaneously become hot; a bouncing ball comes to rest, but a stationary ball does not spontaneously begin to bounce. Oxford professor P. W. Atkins begins his examination of these seemingly random but vitally important phenomena with early observations of the steam engine and traces the deepening understanding that emerged when the atomic basis of the Law was established. He analyzes the Law from a modern viewpoint, enabling us to see how a single, simple idea encompasses all elements of natural change.

Atkins explores this idea from its first recognition through its application in engines, refrigerators, and heat pumps to its role as the driving force of chemical reactions and, finally, to the emergence of the exquisitely ordered structures characteristic of life itself.

Using striking computer graphics to develop a unified picture of nature, the author shows us how structures are built apparently out of chaos until we grasp the underlying, awesome simplicity of complexity. An appendix details how to program the generation of printouts of the concepts discussed.

About this title

About the Author:

P. W. Atkins, a lecturer in physical chemistry at Oxford University, is the author of numerous books, including Creation Revisited.

From Library Journal:

With this volume on thermodynamics, Scientific American launches its new line of paperbacks, which are essentially softcover releases of popular hardcover titles from the Scientific American library. Other new titles include Philip Morrison's Powers of Ten and Jeremy Sabloff's The New Archaeology and the Ancient Maya.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Scientific American Books - W. H. Freeman & Co.
• Publication date: 1984
• ISBN 10: 071675004X
• ISBN 13: 9780716750048
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 230