Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons : From the Mathematics of Heat to the Development of the Trans-Atlantic Telegraph Cable / Paul J. Nahin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nahin, Paul J., Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Fourier, Jean-Baptiste-Joseph, 1768-1830.

Fourier, Jean-Baptiste-Joseph.

Kelvin, William Thomson, Baron, 1824-1907.

Kelvin, William Thomson.

Heat equation.

Mathematical physics--History--19th century.

Mathematical physics.

Transatlantic cables--History.

Transatlantic cables.

Telegraph cables--History.

Telegraph cables.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (233 pages) : illustrations, charts

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ : Princeton University Press, [2020]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

An entertaining mathematical exploration of the heat equation and its role in the triumphant development of the trans-Atlantic telegraph cableHeat, like gravity, shapes nearly every aspect of our world and universe, from how milk dissolves in coffee to how molten planets cool. The heat equation, a cornerstone of modern physics, demystifies such processes, painting a mathematical picture of the way heat diffuses through matter. Presenting the mathematics and history behind the heat equation, Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons tells the remarkable story of how a foundational idea brought about one of the greatest technological advancements of the modern era.Paul Nahin vividly recounts the heat equation's tremendous influence on society, showing how French mathematical physicist Joseph Fourier discovered, derived, and solved the equation in the early nineteenth century. Nahin then follows Scottish physicist William Thomson, whose further analysis of Fourier's explorations led to the groundbreaking trans-Atlantic telegraph cable. This feat of engineering reduced the time a message could be sent across the ocean from weeks to minutes. Readers also learn that Thomson used Fourier's solutions to calculate the age of the earth, and, in a bit of colorful lore, that writer Charles Dickens relied on the trans-Atlantic cable to save himself from a career-damaging scandal. The book's mathematical and scientific explorations can be easily understood by anyone with a basic knowledge of high school calculus and physics, and MATLAB code is included to aid readers who would like to solve the heat equation themselves.A testament to the intricate links between mathematics and physics, Hot Molecules, Cold Electrons offers a fascinating glimpse into a formative equation's relationship with one of the most important developments in human communication.

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

CHAPTER 1. Mathematics and Physics

CHAPTER 2. Fourier's Mathematics

CHAPTER 3. The Heat Equation

CHAPTER 4. Solving the Heat Equation

CHAPTER 5. William Thomson and the Infinitely Long Telegraph Cable Equation

CHAPTER 6. Epilogue

APPENDIX. How to Differentiate an Integral

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

NOTES

INDEX

ALSO BY PAUL J. NAHIN

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 06. Apr 2020)

ISBN:

9780691199948

0691199949

OCLC:

1130901705