The Second Law of Life
Energy, Technology, and the Future of Earth As We Know It

A compelling and important look at the history and evolution of the second law of thermodynamics (entropy) and its effect on society, culture, and daily life.

John E.J. Schmitz (Author)

9780815515371

Hardback, published 22 January 2007

226 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 2 cm, 0.53 kg

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

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.

The Birth of a Beautiful TheorySo what is all this talk about entropy?The science of heat and work: Classical ThermodynamicsMuch more about entropyLink of thermodynamics to modern physicsEntropy and Our Society, Culture, Planet, and our UniverseEntropy, the economic process, and the world's environmental problemsEnergy, entropy and life and heat deathThe use of the concept of entropy in other sciencesEpilogueAppendix I: Two more laws of thermodynamics?Appendix II: Another way of looking at entropyAppendix 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 TimelineAppendix VII: Can the human body be considered a heat engine?Appendix VIII: Ways to concentrate energy: nuclear energy, photovoltaic cells, and fuel cellsAppendix IX: Qualitative definitions and descriptions of entropyAppendix X: Some simple calculations and interesting numbers

Subject Areas: Environmentalist thought & ideology [RNA], Thermodynamics & heat [PHH], Physics [PH], Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC]