Energy and Society : An Introduction

This introduction to energy in all its forms guides the reader through the various energy sources available to humans and how we implement them.

It is intended for readers who do not have a science and technology background and serves as an introduction to work, energy and efficiency.

Examples range from humans' earliest work endeavours, such building pyramids, to the inspiration and development of Henry Ford's first automobile, up to alternative energy sources being used today.Among the many topics covered are: energy, work and power; combustion for home comfort; the steam engine; how electricity is generated; boilers and heat transfer; cars and their impact; atoms and atomic energy; Three Mile Island and Chernobyl; acid rain; smog; nuclear fission; the greenhouse effect, among others.This will be interesting reading for those on science-related courses, particularly in engineering or environmental studies, who want a handy compendium of how energy impacts on all our lives and how its use has been developed.