Thermodynamic Limit to the Existence of Inanimate and Living Systems

This book is a research tool to be used in the broad field of the natural sciences. It is based on nature's most fundamental laws-the first and second laws of thermodynamics-and applies them in a novel and previously unexplored method. The book explains the theoretical basis of the approach presented and discusses its various applications in domains such as material strength, electrochemistry, and biological cells. The method is quite effective at answering new or unsolved problems and paving the way for new applications.

The book is addressed to scientists and researchers in all natural scientific domains, including physics, chemistry, material sciences, and biophysics. Chapter 1 introduces the classical thermodynamics concepts employed in the book, which will appeal to a wide variety of readers from various backgrounds. Chapters 2 through 5 describe the core of the approach. The five chapters that follow explore applications in elasticity, electrochemistry, and biophysics.Three appendices at the end of the book cover more specialised subjects about the thermodynamics of reacting mixtures, making the book rather self-contained.