Understanding Physics and Physical Chemistry Using Formal Graphs

This book introduces a new graphs-based language called Formal Graphs for representing the mathematical equations found in a large number of scientific domains, including mechanics, physical chemistry, dynamics, solid state physics, rheology, surface energy, electrochemistry, and chemical reactivity. This elementary approach consists of drawing links and nodes on a graph, instead of writing algebraic equations. The graphs encourage a visual, unified comprehension of the relationships between physical concepts and variables, properties, and operators.

The subject of this book is truly original. By encoding of algebraic equations into graphs—originally a purely pedagogical technique—the exploration of physics and physical chemistry reveals common pictures through all disciplines. The hidden structure of the scientific formalism that appears is a source of astonishment and provides efficient simplifications of the representation of physical laws.

Understanding Physics and Physical Chemistry Using Formal Graphs is organized according to the structures emerging from formal graphs, from simple to elaborate, providing after each series of case studies the theoretical elements necessary for understanding their common features. More than 80 case studies are tackled in domains ranging from translational mechanics to Newtonian gravitation to chemical reactions.

With the help of this new tool, the modeling of physical phenomena becomes a fascinating cross-disciplinary exploration. The graphs encourage a visual, unified comprehension of the relationships between physical concepts and variables, properties, and operators. Out-of-the-box and thought provoking, this book inspires lively discussions and fruitful thinking about the connections between mechanics, chemical reactivity, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and more.