Four Laws That Drive the Universe

The laws of thermodynamics drive everything that happens in the universe. From the sudden expansion of a cloud of gas to the cooling of hot metal, and from the unfurling of a leaf to the course of life itself - everything is directed and constrained by four simple laws. They establish fundamental concepts such as temperature and heat, and reveal the arrow of time and even the nature of energy itself. Peter Atkins' powerful and compellingintroduction explains what the laws are and how they work, using accessible language and virtually no mathematics. Guiding the reader from the Zeroth Law to the Third Law, he introduces the fascinatingconcept of entropy, and how it not only explains why your desk tends to get messier, but also how its unstoppable rise constitutes the engine of the universe.

“"I found it an enjoyable and informative read- a worthwhile attempt to popularize a cornerstone subject of modern science without trivializing it at the same time."--Chemistry World "A wonderful book that I wish I had read at university."--Marcus Chown,New Scientist "Highly recommended for all levels." J. A. Bartz,Choice "The lucid text and clear figures offer readers a firm understanding of energy and entropy."--Science”

`It takes not only a great writer but a great scientist with a lifetime's experience to explains uch a notoriously tricky area with absolute economy and precision, not to mention humour.'Books of the Year, Observer.

Peter Atkins is the author of about 70 books, including the world-renowned and widely used Physical Chemistry, now in its 10th edition. He won the Grady-Stack award for science journalism in 2016. After graduating from the University of Leicester and a post-doctoral year in the University of California, Los Angeles, he returned to Oxford in 1965 as Fellow of Lincoln College and University Lecturer (later Professor) in physical chemistry. He retired in2007, but continues to write and lecture worldwide.

The laws of thermodynamics drive everything that happens in the universe. From the sudden expansion of a cloud of gas to the cooling of hot metal, and from the unfurling of a leaf to the course of life itself - everything is directed and constrained by four simple laws. They establish fundamental concepts such as temperature and heat, and reveal the arrow of time and even the nature of energy itself. Peter Atkins' powerful and compelling introduction explains what the laws are and how they work, using accessible language and virtually no mathematics. Guiding the reader from the Zeroth Law to the Third Law, he introduces the fascinating concept of entropy, and how it not only explains why your desk tends to get messier, but also how its unstoppable rise constitutes the engine of the universe.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.