The Physics of EnergyThe 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. |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Contents
Introduction | 3 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 9 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 24 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 53 |
4 | 60 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 67 |
Problems | 86 |
4 | 92 |
56 | 402 |
1 | 404 |
Insolation and the Solar Constant | 432 |
1 | 446 |
78 | 451 |
Photovoltaic Solar Cells | 465 |
Biological Energy | 494 |
Ocean Energy Flow | 514 |
Problems | 102 |
Introduction to Quantum Physics | 109 |
8 | 115 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 133 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 160 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 180 |
10 | 183 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 201 |
Internal Combustion Engines | 203 |
45 | 217 |
Phasechange Energy Conversion | 219 |
Thermal Power and Heat Extraction Cycles | 235 |
The Forces of Nature | 263 |
Quantum Phenomena in Energy Systems | 279 |
An Overview of Nuclear Power | 291 |
Structure Properties and Decays of Nuclei | 299 |
19 | 323 |
48 | 367 |
1 | 372 |
77 | 395 |
A Highly Variable Resource | 531 |
The Basics | 556 |
Wind Turbines | 577 |
Hydro Wave Tidal and Marine Current Power | 591 |
1 | 620 |
1 | 645 |
Problems | 656 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 677 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 707 |
3 | 725 |
4 | 736 |
2 | 743 |
5 | 755 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 771 |
DiscussionInvestigation Questions | 797 |
Electricity Generation and Transmission | 800 |
Appendix A Notation | 830 |
Units and Fundamental Constants | 842 |
867 | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
absorbed approximation assume atoms average Carnot chapter charge classical combined compression compute conduction consider constant cycle decay defined density depends described device discussed distribution Earth’s effects efficiency electric electromagnetic electron engine enthalpy entropy equation equilibrium estimate example expansion factor field Figure fission fixed flow fluid force fuel function fusion given gives heat ideal important increases interactions internal known light limit liquid magnetic mass material matter measured molecules moving natural needed neutrons Note nuclear nuclei object occur oscillator particle phase physics possible potential pressure probability Problem produced protons quantum mechanics radiation range ratio reaction reactor relation relatively result scale Show shown simple solar space specific steam surface Table temperature thermal energy thermodynamic tion transfer turbine unit vapor volume wave