The Low-Down on Entropy and Interpretive Thermodynamics

by S.J. Kline

If you feel you do not understand entropy or the Second Law of Thermodynamics as well as you would like to, this is a book you may want to read. The book begins at the beginning in 1824 and comes forward to 1997. You can begin from your level and read as far as you want. The main body of the book is structured in Socratic style, involving a lively discussion between Mack Reale, "a protagonist of the macroscopic view," and Mike Statwiz, "a protagonist of the statistical view." The discussion is moderated by Bea A. Wiseladi. After these three fictional characters resolve many of the complexities of thermodynamics, Prof. Kline takes the podium and presents a detailed summary of the state of the art of thermodynamics. The book contains several important new results that many experts and students of thermodynamics will find 1. an improved definition of irreversibility, (most current texts do not define it.); 2. recognition that adequate understanding of irreversibility must include consideration of both the microscopic (statistical) and the macroscopic (continuum) views of energy and matter; 3. information is not and cannot be made equal to entropy; why we will not observe a Maxwell demon or other types of "molecular demons;" 4. why entropy increases. The book concludes with a tour through six types of statements of the 2nd Law in order to provide the many views that are used and that are necessary to a full view of the implications of the 2nd Law.

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999