The Physics of Energy

A comprehensive and unified introduction to the science of energy sources, uses, and systems for students, scientists, engineers, and professionals.

Robert L. Jaffe (Author), Washington Taylor (Author)

9781107016651, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 January 2018

894 pages, 600 b/w illus. 100 colour illus.
28.3 x 22.5 x 4.4 cm, 2.69 kg

'I have long wished for a single textbook that could explain energy conversion as it occurs in nature and is utilized in our industrial and digital world in a comprehensive, accurate, and engaging way. The Physics of Energy is that book. It covers its subject matter with depth, breadth, care for precision, and clarity.' Julia Mikhailova, Physics Today

The Physics of Energy provides a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the scientific principles governing energy sources, uses, and systems. This definitive textbook traces the flow of energy from sources such as solar power, nuclear power, wind power, water power, and fossil fuels through its transformation in devices such as heat engines and electrical generators, to its uses including transportation, heating, cooling, and other applications. The flow of energy through the Earth's atmosphere and oceans, and systems issues including storage, electric grids, and efficiency and conservation are presented in a scientific context along with topics such as radiation from nuclear power and climate change from the use of fossil fuels. Students, scientists, engineers, energy industry professionals, and concerned citizens with some mathematical and scientific background who wish to understand energy systems and issues quantitatively will find this textbook of great interest.

Part I. Basic Energy Physics and Uses: 1. Introduction
2. Mechanical energy
3. Electromagnetic energy
4. Waves and light
5. Thermodynamics I: heat and thermal energy
6. Heat transfer
7. Introduction to quantum physics
8. Thermodynamics II: entropy and temperature
9. Energy in matter
10. Thermal energy conversion
11. Internal combustion engines
12. Phase-change energy conversion
13. Thermal power and heat extraction cycles
Part II. Energy Sources: 14. The forces of nature
15. Quantum phenomena in energy systems
16. An overview of nuclear power
17. Structure, properties and decays of nuclei
18. Nuclear energy processes: fission and fusion
19. Nuclear fission reactors and nuclear fusion experiments
20. Ionizing radiation
21. Energy in the universe
22. Solar energy: solar production and radiation
23. Solar energy: solar radiation on Earth
24. Solar thermal energy
25. Photovoltaic solar cells
26. Biological energy
27. Ocean energy flow
28. Wind: a highly variable resource
29. Fluids – the basics
30. Wind turbines
31. Energy from moving water: hydro, wave, tidal, and marine current power
32. Geothermal energy
33. Fossil fuels
Part III. Energy System Issues and Externalities: 34. Energy and climate
35. Earth's climate: past, present, and future
36. Energy efficiency, conservation, and changing energy sources
37. Energy storage
38. Electricity generation and transmission.

Subject Areas: Energy technology & engineering [TH], Engineering: general [TBC], Energy [PHDY], Physics [PH], Industrial applications of scientific research & technological innovation [PDG]