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| THE SECOND LAW OF LIFE
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Energy, Technology, and the Future of Earth As We Know It
To order this title, and for more information, click here
By
John E.J. Schmitz, Philips Semiconductor; former COO of SEMATECH
Description
In this compelling, and important book, John Schmitz brings order to the world of chaos that surrounds us. The Second Law of Life refers
to the second law of thermodynamics, entropy, which is an omnipresent force that quietly and crucially determines every aspect of our
society, culture and daily lives. Unless we come to understand entropy, future generations will face consequences of the unstoppable
laws of physics.
Entropy explains the amount of energy no longer capable of doing work; in other words, wasted energy or heat loss.
Each moment of every day, we lose irreplaceable energy and omoderno technology is not helping. In fact, it is accelerating the problem
at a catastrophic rate. u And we will ultimately face a heat death crisis and utter destruction of the Earth.
Even actions we take
to improve the environment may actually do more damage than good. For example, recycling is considered environmentally, socially and
politically correct. Under the influence of entropy, however, it is a prolific waster of energy; we must look at entire systems, not
just parts.
It is critical that we find ways to reduce energy loss. Seeing the problems with greater clarity will lead to solutions.
This fascinating and accessible journey through the second law of thermodynamics is a step in the right direction.
Audience
General science readers interested in the principles of physics and how they affect daily life. Readers interested in energy and environmental
issues and possible solutions to current crises. Students in first year introductory courses on thermodynamics.
Contents
PART 1: The Birth of a Beautiful Theory
1. So what is all this talk about entropy?
2. The science of heat and work: Classical Thermodynamics
3. Much more about entropy
4. Link of thermodynamics to modern physics
PART 2: Entropy and Our Society, Culture, Planet, and our Universe
5. Entropy, the economic process, and the world's environmental problems
6. Energy, entropy and life and heat death
7. The use of the
concept of entropy in other sciences
Epilogue
Appendix I: Two more laws of thermodynamics?
Appendix II: Another way of looking at entropy
Appendix III: How does the gas heat up the air pump?
Appendix IV: Will shuffling a deck of cards change the entropy?
Appendix V: How
much does the entropy change in the case of gas expansion and gas mixing?
Appendix VI: Thermodynamic Timeline
Appendix VII: Can the human
body be considered a heat engine?
Appendix VIII: Ways to concentrate energy: nuclear energy, photovoltaic cells, and fuel cells
Appendix
IX: Qualitative definitions and descriptions of entropy
Appendix X: Some simple calculations and interesting numbers
| Bibliographic details |
Hardbound, 226 pages, publication date: JAN-2007
ISBN-13: 978-0-8155-1537-1
ISBN-10: 0-8155-1537-5
Imprint: WILLIAM ANDREW
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| Price and Ordering |
Price:
EUR 51.95
USD 72.95
GBP 43.99
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Last update: 25 Sep 2009
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