logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2010
38m 3s

Episode 6: Thermodynamics

JAMES FODOR
About this episode
An introduction to the principles of thermodynamics, including a look at temperature and heat, the laws of thermodynamics, perpetual motion, methods of transferring energy, and the phenomenon of entropy. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfod ... Show More
Up next
Jun 1
Episode 161: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Reptiles
A survey of extinct animal species from the Permian through the Cretaceous periods. We discuss important differences between anapsids, synapsids, and diapsids, and then review diverse species from all groups, including pelycosaurs, therapsids, parareptiles, euryapsids, pterosaurs ... Show More
1h 33m
May 1
Episode 160: The Evolution of Animals
A journey through the evolutionary history of animals, beginning with the split of the metazoans from protists about 760 million years ago and ending with the rise of the amniotes about 340 million years ago. The focus is the development of key morphological traits necessary for ... Show More
1h 23m
Apr 1
Episode 159: Quantum Electrodynamics Part 2
Continuing from quantum electrodynamics part 1, here we explore the mathematical machinery used to compute interactions between particles, including propagators, Feynman diagrams, cross sections. We then walk through a simple example calculation to illustrate how these tools are ... Show More
45m 18s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2004
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Second Law of Thermodynamics which can be very simply stated like this: "Energy spontaneously tends to flow from being concentrated in one place to becoming diffused and spread out". It was first formulated – derived from ideas first put forwar ... Show More
27m 34s
Nov 2025
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is fundamental to mastering chemistry concepts and understanding the energy dynamics within biological systems crucial for the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith dives into the laws of thermodynamics, covering everything from the zeroth law to the third. You'll ... Show More
40m 22s
Aug 2024
28 - How Noether's Theorem Changed Physics (Rerun)
Learn how Noether's profound mathematical theorem relating symmetries to conservation laws is deeply woven into the physics of the universe. Enjoy this rerun of an earlier episode as we take our summer break.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a mo ... Show More
24m 21s
Jan 2025
Chasing the Impossible: The Enigma of Perpetual Motion (Encore)
Imagine a device that could supply an unlimited amount of energy. It would solve many of the world’s problems in one fell swoop.  Unfortunately, such a device is impossible to build, but that hasn’t stopped people throughout history from trying.  In fact, to this very day, people ... Show More
11m 30s
Apr 2024
82 - Science Vs. Pseudoscience
Pseudoscience can sometimes be hard to distinguish from the real thing. Today we discuss how philosophers of science have thought about this problem.For ad free episodes and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https://patreon.com/whythisuniverseOur merch is ... Show More
35m 40s
Sep 2025
Making Cents Out of Watts: What’s Driving Up Your Energy Bills? | Climate One
This is an episode of a podcast we think you'll love, Climate One. A third of Americans say that they've skipped food, medicine, or something else to be able to afford their energy bills. Much of the increase in the cost of electricity is driven by rising demand from artificial i ... Show More
56m 51s
Apr 2023
63 - The Question of Consciousness (Ft. David Chalmers)
<p>Can consciousness be explained by physics, or does it appeal to something beyond materialism? Philosopher guest star David Chalmers talks to us about how we can think about consciousness from a philosophical and scientific perspective.<br/><br/>To support our show and get ad-f ... Show More
50m 26s
Jul 2013
Introduction to Solar Fuels
In an 'Oxford tutorial' style podcast, Professor Fraser Armstrong introduces the concept of artificial photosynthesis: coupling a light harvesting material with a fuel producer in order to generate storable energy from sunlight. 
2m 44s