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 30
Episode 162: Human Evolution
Beginning with primitive Cynodonts in the late Permian, we our evolutionary development through Mesozoic mammaliaforms, the divergence of monotremes from marsupials and placentals, and culiminating in the emergence of primates in the early Cenozoic. Along the way we discuss the e ... Show More
1h 26m
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
Recommended Episodes
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
Jun 2022
Ep 119: Work and Heat: An introduction to thermodynamics (a prelude to Ch 6 of ”The Science of Can & Can’t).
This is part of my series on Chiara Marletto's groundbreaking book on Constructor Theory "The Science of Can and Can't". In this episode, I do not read from the book but set the scene for newcomers who may not have a physics/engineering/chemistry or perhaps the scientific backgro ... Show More
1h 29m
Apr 2020
What Is Entropy?
It's OK if you're confused by the concept of entropy -- it can mean different things in different situations and disciplines. Learn about the second law of thermodynamics in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee om ... Show More
7m 21s
Feb 2024
Neil’s Guide to Heat Transfer Physics
<p>How do you make some things stay hot and others stay cool? Neil deGrasse Tyson, with the help of comedian Chuck Nice, explains the physics of heat transfer, insulation, and why your Stanley cup can keep your drink cold during a fire. </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen t ... Show More
38m 33s
Aug 2024
Work and Energy
In this episode, we cover the topic of work and energy. We’ll start off by talking about work, which includes the mathematical and conceptual definitions and the sign convention of work. We’ll also talk a little bit about mechanical advantage and also path dependency. Moving on t ... Show More
33m 13s
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
Aug 2019
Why are sand and water different temperatures at the beach?
<p>Melissa and Jam discuss the difference of temperatures, aka specific heat.</p> <p>Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife.<br /> Email us at <a>chemforyourlife@gmail.com</a><br /> And check out our chill, simple little website at <a href="https://chemforyo ... Show More
17m 5s
Feb 2023
How do thermoses keep coffee hot?
<p><strong>#033 Rebroadcast</strong></p> <p>That's right, we are <em>sort of </em>talking about coffee this week. Or rather, how to keep it hot. Nowadays we all have some version of a thermos for our coffee, tea, water, or what-have-you. Today Melissa and Jam try to get to the <e ... Show More
31m 50s