Ebook: The laws of thermodynamics: a very short introduction

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 su.;Cover; Contents; Preface; List of illustrations; 1 The zeroth law: The concept of temperature; 2 The first law: The conservation of energy; 3 The second law: The increase in entropy; 4 Free energy: The availability of work; 5 The third law: The unattainability of zero; Conclusion; Further reading; Index; Symbol and unit index.