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The Second Law
216 pages, 1994
Throughout history, a single principle has emerged to account for all natural change: the second law of thermodynamics. In this volume, which is based largely on his highly acclaimed previous work on this subject, the acclaimed chemist and science writer P. W. Atkins shows how this principle accounts for all natural change, from the steam engine to the nuclear age. With only a few mathematical formulas, he demonstrates that every natural process--from photosynthesis to the decay of radioactive elements--is driven by a decreasing availability of usable energy.
Peter Atkins takes us on a journey to understand the second law of thermodynamics. This law, often overlooked, is fundamental to our understanding of the universe. Atkins makes it accessible and interesting, even for those who aren't science buffs.
Atkins explores the role of energy in the universe. He explains how energy, and its transformation, is at the heart of everything we see and do. It's a fascinating look into the unseen forces that shape our world.
One of the key concepts Atkins discusses is entropy. He breaks down this complex idea into understandable terms, showing us how it impacts everything from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. It's a chance to see the world in a whole new light.
Atkins digs into how the second law of thermodynamics impacts life and evolution. He shows how this law has shaped life on earth and could potentially influence the future of our species. It's a thought-provoking look into the science of life.
Finally, Atkins researches how the second law of thermodynamics impacts human society. From the energy we use to the waste we produce, this law influences every aspect of our lives. Atkins encourages us to consider how we can live in harmony with this fundamental law of nature.
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Atkins' 'The Second Law' is a profound exploration of the universe's natural tendency towards disorder, a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the fundamental laws of nature.
Richard Dawkins - Evolutionary biologistAtkins' 'The Second Law' is a brilliant and insightful examination of the second law of thermodynamics, a cornerstone of modern physics.
Stephen Hawking - Theoretical physicistAtkins' 'The Second Law' is a masterful exploration of one of the most fundamental principles of physics, a must-read for anyone interested in the science of the universe.
Neil deGrasse Tyson - AstrophysicistAtkins' 'The Second Law' is a fascinating and accessible introduction to the second law of thermodynamics, a fundamental principle that governs the universe.
Bill Bryson - Bestselling author