A history of thermodynamics

About The Book:

File Type: PDF
File Size: 7.62MB
Pages : 335


Description:

The most exciting and significant episode of scientific progress is the

development of thermodynamics and electrodynamics in the 19th century

and early 20th century. The nature of heat and temperature was recognized,

the conservation of energy was discovered, and the realization that mass

and energy are equivalent provided a new fuel, – and unlimited power.

Much of this occurred in unison with the rapid technological advance

provided by the steam engine, the electric motor, internal combustion

engines, refrigeration and the rectification processes of the chemical

industry. The availability of cheap power and cheap fuel has had its impact

on society: Populations grew, the standard of living increased, the environment

became clean, traffic became easy, and life expectancy was raised.

Knowledge fairly exploded. The western countries, where all this happened,

gained in power and influence, and western culture – scientific culture –

spread across the globe, and is still spreading.

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