Take some heat off the complexity of thermodynamicsDoes the mere thought of thermodynamics make you sweat? It doesn"t have to! This hands-on guide helps you score your highest in a thermodynamics course by offering easily understood, plain-English explanations of how energy is used in things like automobiles, airplanes, air conditioners, and electric power plants.Thermodynamics 101 — take a look at some examples of both natural and man-made thermodynamic systems and get a handle on how energy can be used to perform workTurn up the heat — discover how to use the first and second laws of thermodynamics to determine (and improve upon) the efficiency of machinesOh, behave — get the 411 on how gases behave and relate to one another in different situations, from ideal-gas laws to real gasesBurn with desire — find out everything you need to know about conserving mass and energy in combustion processesOpen the book and find:The laws of thermodynamicsImportant properties and their relationshipsThe lowdown on solids, liquids, and gasesHow work and heat go handin handThe cycles that power thermodynamic processesChemical mixtures and reactionsTen pioneers in thermodynamicsReal-world applications of thermodynamic laws and conceptsLearn to:Master the concepts and principles of thermodynamicsDevelop the problem-solving skills used by professional engineersAce your thermodynamics course