Synopses & Reviews
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 ômodernö technology is not helping. In fact, it is accelerating the problem at a catastrophic rate. û 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.
Review
"This is one of the most personal science based books I've ever read, explaining not just the history of the topic, but the author's own personal journey into discovering it's wonders and implications for us all. For fellow fans of Carl Sagan's 'Cosmos' TV series on Astrophysics, this book has the same style. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did."- Matt Grimshaw, Future Fab International
Imminently readable, it gives the layman reader an understanding of the fundamental principles of energy as well the urgent issues facing our lives and our planet. It should be read by every intelligent person.
& Robert H. Lieberman, Physics Department, Cornell University
The book gives an excellent overview of thermodynamics and entropy...Certainly, the relationship with environmental issues is clear and will hopefully give some people insight into the ideas of recycling.
- Martin Heerschop, GE Commercial Finance
As a lay reader, I found John Schmitz's book on thermodynamics to be fascinating and easy to follow. Schmitz gives the reader a solid understanding of basic thermodynamics theory and the concept of entropy, along with a systematic description of how these ideas were developed and how they relate to everyday life.
- Paul Newman, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
Review
This is one of the most personal science based books I've ever read, explaining ...the author's own personal journey into discovering it's wonders and implications for us all." - Matt Grimshaw, Future Fab International
Synopsis
Ad placement in Radio/TV Interview Report. Looking to place on National Public Radio; Fresh Air; Science Friday, and other shows.
About the Author
John E.J. Schmitz holds currently a senior management position in semiconductor technology research. He was awarded his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1984 from the Catholic University of Nijmegen (Netherlands). He holds six patents in the semiconductor field and has published over 45 scientific articles and one technical book in the field of integrated circuit technology. Before, Schmitz was the Chief Operating Officer Manufacturing Technology of SEMATECH (Austin, Texas) a consortium that develops semiconductor manufacturing technology, materials, and equipment for their member chip maker companies.
Schmitz has dealt with thermodynamics and entropy for 25 years on a professional level, and brings this fascinating science to everyone with an elegant, yet simple writing style that has garnered rave reviews. His passion for the subject matter is apparent from the very first page of the book. He currently lives in a small town in Belgium with his wife, Pieternel, and his children; Lucas, Juliette, Emmeline, and Jasper.
Table of Contents
The Birth of a Beautiful Theory
So what is all this talk about entropy?
The science of heat and work: Classical Thermodynamics
Much more about entropy
Link of thermodynamics to modern physics
Entropy and Our Society, Culture, Planet, and our Universe
Entropy, the economic process, and the world's environmental problems
Energy, entropy and life and heat death
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