Einstein's Fridge

January 1, 2021
A fine account of thermodynamics. Though there are four, Sen focuses "on the discovery and consequences of the first and second laws of thermodynamics." The energy of the universe is constant. It can be transformed from one form to another but never created or destroyed, and the entropy (i.e., disorder) of the universe is steadily increasing. These two ideas represent "a scientific milestone every bit as significant as Newton's laws of motion, which were published two centuries earlier." Although simple, they require a good deal of explanation for general readers, but Sen knows his business and remains lucid throughout the narrative. For almost 200 years after its invention, the only significant mechanical source of power was the steam engine. Engineers eventually improved it, but Sen concentrates on the scientists who explained it. Sadi Carnot (1796-1832), known as "the father of thermodynamics," wrote that an engine works by moving heat from a hot reservoir to a cold one. To increase engine efficiency, one must increase the temperature difference. "The production of heat alone," wrote Carnot, "is not sufficient to give birth to the impelling power: it is necessary that there should also be cold." Heat never flows from cold to hot without energy input; a refrigerator generates a great deal of heat. Since temperature difference limits efficiency, it can never reach 100%; anything that uses energy wastes a portion of that energy. The unnerving consequence of this waste (entropy) is that the universe will eventually cool and lose energy until it can no longer support life--but not for a long time. Sen includes enjoyable accounts of some of the Victorian Age geniuses (Joule, Kelvin, Helmholtz, Clausius) who worked out the elements of thermodynamics as well as those in the 20th century (Einstein, Turing, Shannon, Hawking) who applied it to the modern age and demonstrated that information and communication technology obey the same laws. A lesson in how to do popular science right.

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January 18, 2021
Director Sen makes a convincing case for the importance of thermodynamics in his impressive debut. He argues that the first two laws of thermodynamics (that the energy of the universe is constant, and that the entropy of the universe tends to increase), as articulated in 1865, “are a testament to the human intellect and imagination” and are “every bit as significant as Newton’s laws of motion.” Sen tells of the scientists whose work led to the present understanding of thermodynamics, among them Sadi Carnot (the “founding father of the science of thermodynamics”); James Joule, with his “lifelong zeal for scientific experimentation”; Albert Einstein, whose “work derived from thermodynamics”; and Alan Turing, who uncovered “a beautiful aspect of the second law of thermodynamics.” Sen explains how an understanding of thermodynamics led to “the invention that catalyzed the Industrial Revolution,” the steam engine, and goes further in arguing that refrigeration, a process building on thermodynamic principles, enabled “the greatest improvement in human nutrition” since the advent of cooking. He accomplishes all of this with splendid prose, making ample use of analogies to explain complex scientific ideas. Sen’s history of hot and cold is pop-science that hits the mark. Agent: Patrick Walsh, Pew Literary.

March 1, 2021

Thermodynamics is a principle that affects modern life throughout the day--every day. It is also a subject that we usually only talk about in relation to physics and engineering. Drawing on his experience studying engineering at Cambridge, creative director Sen explores the history and importance of thermodynamics. A previous background in science isn't necessary in order to thoroughly engage with and enjoy this work, as Sen succeeds in making science accessible, whether bringing to life the work of physicist and physician Hermann Helmholtz or mathematician Claude Shannon. Sen brings into focus how objects, such as steam locomotives, rely on thermodynamics to function, and breaks down scientific concepts, such as entropy, using examples that will delight popular science fans as they read along. Each chapter, as a history, can stand alone while still building in context on previous chapters. The book includes helpful extensive notes sections along with appendixes, complete with illustrations, that offer additional insight into some of the principles discussed throughout. VERDICT A welcome entry on the subject of thermodynamics that will spark the interest of readers curious about the names and theories behind physics, but unsure where to start.--Dawn Lowe-Wincentsen, Oregon Inst. of Technology, Portland

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2021
Sen performs an exquisite examination of an ostensibly simple distinction, the difference between hot and cold. Deep studies of this difference, however, led to exponential growth in technology, an increase in the global population, and greater understanding of the fundamental laws that govern our universe. Writing in the popular-science mode, Sen pairs captivating and sometimes heartbreaking anecdotes about scientists and explanations of the significance of their remarkable contributions, including the tale of how Einstein helped to "design, patent, and market a refrigerator." This scientific history begins with the development of steam engines, progresses through the discovery of cosmic background radiation, and ends with the intricate details of the relationship between temperature and information. For example, Sen warns that, similar to engines, digital infrastructure generates high temperatures and is an ever-growing threat to the environment. One hundred Google searches "would heat the water needed to make a cup of tea." Closing with more recent, mind-bending hypotheses stemming from our knowledge of entropy, thermodynamics, and information theory, Sen leaves readers contemplating the possibility that our perception of a three-dimensional universe is a fantastic illusion.

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