Four Laws That Drive the Universe
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reviewed by Laurence Lavelle
Four Laws That Drive the Universe
Peter Atkins
Oxford University Press, New York, 2007
ISBN 978-0199232369
reviewed by Laurence Lavelle
Four Laws That Drive the Universe is a delight to read. It is so well written that its 124 small and eloquent pages can be read in a day and its contents enjoyed for a lifetime.
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The five chapters (describing the zeroth-, first-, second- and third- laws of thermodynamics and free energy) do far more than cover introductory thermodynamics. They convert what is an often abstract topic of mathematical equations into prose that is logical and easy to read. Atkins explains the concepts behind the equations and develops the equations.
Four Laws That Drive the Universe shows that it is possible to construct sentences that are excellent replacements for equations. This aspect of the book alone will be a great asset to anyone—and in particular any student—who finds it difficult to read equations and comprehend thermodynamics. In addition to making thermodynamics comprehensible to beginners, for specialists, it sets the standard for converting mathematically dense scientific topics into logical text with little lost in translation.
This gem of a book will be helpful to any student hearing about thermodynamics for the first time. Graduate students, who may have already made several attempts at understanding the fundamentals of thermodynamics, will also find this book helpful. Those who teach thermodynamics will find it a useful resource in assisting students understand thermodynamics. This book rewards at many levels, making it an excellent read for beginning students through to specialists in thermodynamics.
Laurence Lavelle <lavelle@chem.ucla.edu> is a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California–Los Angeles.
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Articles in the same Issue
- Masthead
- From the Editor
- Contents
- Was Midas a Chemist?
- Creativity in Applied Polymer Science
- Erasers, Rubber Duckies, and So Much More
- Computers in Clinical Laboratories
- Reflections on an Expanding Market
- An Essential Contribution to Physical Chemistry
- Making an imPACt
- PAC Text Indexed on ChemSpider
- Craig Hawker Wins DSM Performance Materials Award
- Le VIM Nouveau Est Arrivé!
- Biophysico-Chemical Processes of Anthropogenic Organic Compounds in Environmental Systems
- Applied Thermodynamics of Fluids
- Analogue and Standalone Drugs
- Preparation for the Translation of the “Green Book”
- Glossary of Terms Used in Immunotoxicology
- Provisional Recommendations
- Stop Faking It! Chemistry Basics
- Environmental Chemistry: Fundamentals / Microscale Laboratory Experiments
- Four Laws That Drive the Universe
- Photodynamics
- Advanced Materials and Polymer Characterization
- Photochemistry
- The Role of Chemistry in Sustainable Agriculture and Human Well-Being in Africa: CHEMRAWN XII
- Chemistry in a Changing World–New Possibilities within the IUPAC Family
- High Temperature Materials
- Trace Elements in Food
- Mark Your Calendar
