Using thermodynamics as an analogy, an ‘‘electricity machine’’ is constructed and analyzed. This machine runs through a ‘‘Carnot’’ cycle. The analysis leads to the construction of a ‘‘new’’ quantity called ‘‘reduced electricity’’ (charge). The example shows what life in electrodynamics would be without the substancelike quantity which we call electrical charge. (This state of affairs is accepted in thermodynamics.) Imagine the development of the theory of electricity had fallen into the hands of the thermodynamicists. As fairy and other tales go, they have an air of surrealism surrounding them.
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1986 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1986
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
