Six Ideas That Shaped Physics: Unit T – Some Processes are Irreversible

Six Ideas that Shaped Physics is comprised of six units, providing a unique approach to a two- or three-semester calculus-based introductory physics course. The text is designed to teach students to apply basic physical principles to realistic situations, and to resolve contradictions between their preconceived notions and the laws of physics. Through integrated practice, students learn to solve realistic problems, and organize the ideas of physics into an integrated hierarchy.The six units are:Unit C: Conservation laws constrain interactionsUnit N: The laws of physics are universal (Newtonian mechanics)Unit R: The laws of physics are frame-independent (Relativity)Unit E: Electricity and magnetism are unifiedUnit Q: Matter behaves like waves (Quantum physics)Unit T: Some processes are irreversible (Thermal physics)