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A Primer for the Exercise and Nutrition SciencesIntroduction: Thermodynamics, Bioenergetics, Metabolism

A Primer for the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences: Introduction: Thermodynamics, Bioenergetics,... Chapter 1 Introduction: Thermodynamics, Bioenergetics, Metabolism Some things feel hot, some cold. This sense has meaning. Heat comes and goes, appearing and seemingly disappearing; thermodynamics studies thermal activity. The measurement of heat helps portray fundamental aspects of matter and energy. Originally devoted to uncovering the hows and whys of a steam engine’s ability to convert heat into mechanical work, thermodynamics quickly expanded into the field of chemistry . . . and more. We have known for many thousands of years, perhaps far longer, that life and heat are related (1). Because of your association with thermal energy, a proper examination of nutrition and exercise cannot be initiated without addressing thermodynamics to some extent. Matter and energy are distributed about the Universe and the Earth, and in similar fashion throughout you and all your cells. These distributions are dynamic; energy undergoes transfer, so too does matter, from one place to another. The transfer of matter and energy can be spontaneous, or not. A gradient – a difference over a distance (2) – can both promote and prevent the “flow” of energy and materials. Gradients empower dynamics. Perhaps the most obvious example of a gradient is founded in our planet’s topography http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png

A Primer for the Exercise and Nutrition SciencesIntroduction: Thermodynamics, Bioenergetics, Metabolism

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References (1)

Publisher
Humana Press
Copyright
© Humana Press 2008
ISBN
978-1-60327-382-4
Pages
1 –3
DOI
10.1007/978-1-60327-383-1_1
Publisher site
See Chapter on Publisher Site

Abstract

Chapter 1 Introduction: Thermodynamics, Bioenergetics, Metabolism Some things feel hot, some cold. This sense has meaning. Heat comes and goes, appearing and seemingly disappearing; thermodynamics studies thermal activity. The measurement of heat helps portray fundamental aspects of matter and energy. Originally devoted to uncovering the hows and whys of a steam engine’s ability to convert heat into mechanical work, thermodynamics quickly expanded into the field of chemistry . . . and more. We have known for many thousands of years, perhaps far longer, that life and heat are related (1). Because of your association with thermal energy, a proper examination of nutrition and exercise cannot be initiated without addressing thermodynamics to some extent. Matter and energy are distributed about the Universe and the Earth, and in similar fashion throughout you and all your cells. These distributions are dynamic; energy undergoes transfer, so too does matter, from one place to another. The transfer of matter and energy can be spontaneous, or not. A gradient – a difference over a distance (2) – can both promote and prevent the “flow” of energy and materials. Gradients empower dynamics. Perhaps the most obvious example of a gradient is founded in our planet’s topography

Published: Jan 1, 2008

Keywords: Energy Intake; Energy Conversion; Energy Exchange; Light Bulb; Material Exchange

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