The laws of thermodynamics [electronic resource] : a very short introduction / Peter Atkins.

ISBN:

9780191573392

Title:

Author:

Atkins, P. W. (Peter William), 1940-

Personal Author:

Atkins, P. W. (Peter William), 1940-

Publication Information:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2010.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xiv, 103 pages) : illustrations.

Series:

Very short introductions ; 226

General Note:

"First published in hardback as Four laws that drive the universe, 2007, first published as a Very short introduction in 2010"--Title page verso.

Contents:

The zeroth law : the concept of temperature -- The first law : the conservation of energy -- The second law : the increase in entropy -- Free energy : the availability of work -- The third law : the unattainability of zero.

Local Note:

eBooks on EBSCOhost

Subject Term:

Laws of thermodynamics.

Physical laws.

Added Author:

Atkins, P. W. (Peter William), 1940- Four laws that drive the universe.

Format:

Electronic Resources

Electronic Access:

Click here to view

Publication Date:

2010

Publication Information:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2010.

Available:*

Shelf Number	Material Type	Copy	Shelf Location	Status
536.7 22	1:E-BOOK	1	1:ONLINE	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

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.