Surface/volume : how geometry explains why grain elevators explode, hummingbirds hover, and asteroids are colder than ice / Alan E. Rubin.
Rubin, Alan E. (Alan Edward), 1953- author.
2023
TA418.7
Available Online

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Title Surface/volume : how geometry explains why grain elevators explode, hummingbirds hover, and asteroids are colder than ice / Alan E. Rubin.
Author Rubin, Alan E. (Alan Edward), 1953- author.
ISBN 9783031237492 (electronic bk.)
3031237498 (electronic bk.)
9783031237485 (print)
303123748X
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23749-2
Published Cham, Switzerland : Springer, 2023.
Language English
Description 1 online resource (xvii, 182 pages) : illustrations (some color)
Item Number 10.1007/978-3-031-23749-2 doi
Call Number TA418.7
Dewey Decimal Classification 620/.44
Summary This book explains that diffusion, osmosis, dissolution, evaporation, and heat loss all preferentially affect small bodies due to their high surface/volume ratios. Because surface area increases as the square of length, but volume (and mass) increase as the cube, large objects have low surface/volume ratios and small objects have high surface/volume ratios. This simple physical constraint governs much of the physical world. It accounts for why the Earth has active volcanoes, but the Moon does not, why the human brain has numerous folds, why deciduous trees lose their leaves every Fall, and why nanoparticles of gold melt at surprisingly low temperatures. It is a phenomenon well known to every scientist, but this book is the first comprehensive treatment of this effect.
Bibliography, etc. Note Includes bibliographical references and index.
Access Note Access limited to authorized users.
Source of Description Online resource; title from PDF title page (SpringerLink, viewed March 6, 2023).
Available in Other Form Print version: 9783031237485
Linked Resources Online Access
Record Appears in Online Resources > Ebooks
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Introduction
A Truncated History of Geometry
Middle School Math
Asteroids, Moons, Planets, and Meteorites
Geologic Processes
Geometry of Life
Biochemistry
Chemical Reactions
Ecology
Manufacturing.

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