The Bases of Chemical Thermodynamics: Volume 1 [Paperback]

Michael Graetzel (Author), Pierre Infelta (Author), Michael Gratzel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1581127723 | ISBN-13: 978-1581127720 | Publication Date: January 1, 2000 | Edition: 1

This is volume 1 of a two-volume set. A primarily phenomenological approach was selected to keep chemical thermodynamics accessible to beginners. Coverage encompasses the fundamental aspects of thermodynamics, for students in chemistry, chemical engineering, and material sciences. Most of the specific mathematical tools are presented directly in the text; problems and solutions are provided.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

In this volume (volume 1), the fundamental aspects of thermodynamics are presented. The first and second laws of thermodynamics are illustrated. The need to define thermodynamic temperature and the nature of entropy are explained. The book explores the meaning of auxiliary thermodynamic functions, the origin, usefulness and use of partial molar quantities. Gaseous systems and phase equilibrium, in systems where chemical reactions do not take place, are described.

In volume 2, the tools necessary to study and understand systems in which chemical reactions can take place are developed. The variables of reaction are the keys to this understanding. Criteria for chemical equilibrium are established. It is shown how chemical reactions can provide work as, for example, in batteries. For complex systems, the number of independent reactions and their nature have to be determined systematically. The effect of external factors on chemical equilibria is analyzed and illustrated. The formalism necessary to study ideal and real solutions is provided. The various standard states in use and the corresponding activity coefficients are clearly defined.

The statistical aspect of thermodynamics is best understood once students are familiar with the rest of the book and, for this reason, is treated in the last chapter.

Both volumes comply with the latest IUPAC recommendations for symbols. Most of the specific mathematical tools are presented either directly in the text if they are used mostly in one chapter, while others are included in an appendix. A primarily phenomenological approach has been selected to keep chemical thermodynamics easily accessible to beginners. Intermediate steps in the derivations have been kept to enhance the clarity of the presentation.

A large number of problems, most of them original, all with complete solutions, are provided. They give this textbook a great pedagogical value.

This book is primarily destined to students, graduate students and practicing scientists in the fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences.

Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Universal Publishers; 1 edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581127723
• ISBN-13: 978-1581127720
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,222,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent physical thermodynamics book, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bases of Chemical Thermodynamics: Volume 1 (Paperback)

This book explains the fundamentals of thermodynamics in a very clear way. Starting from the first and second Laws, it guides you through the problems of pure substances and mixtures, the thermodynamics of perfect and real gases and finally the equilibrium between phases. Every equation is derived precisely but also explained by texts or figures to help the reader understand the idea hidden between the math. Every chapter is followed by numerous problems that allow to understand how the concepts derived theoretically can be applied to real chemical systems.

With the second volume, those two books are an excellent learning material for any chemistry student, but also Ph.D., who wants to understand anything in chemical thermodynamics.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thermodynamics made easy, April 11, 2003

By 

Jean-François Dionne (Was in Lausanne, now in Montreal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bases of Chemical Thermodynamics: Volume 2 (Paperback)

This is a easily readable book, for people who wan't to learn about thermodynamics. The steps to understand fully the basic notions are realy simple to follow and the mathematical equasions follow well without jumping big steps, as other books usualy do... as if the other authors didn't quite get the formulas themselves.

Mr Infelta & Grätzel realy put excellent effort in realizing these books.