Mathematica Computer Programs for Physical Chemistry [Paperback]

William H. Cropper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0387983376 | ISBN-13: 978-0387983370 | Edition: 1998

Bringing the computational power and elegance of Mathematica to physical chemistry courses, this book is organized along the lines of most modern textbooks. It discusses the kinds of problems encountered in each area of physical chemistry, together with worked examples. An appendix outlines the important calculations in physical chemistry and demonstrates how to handle them in Mathematica code.

Product Details

• Paperback: 257 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1998 edition (April 3, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387983376
• ISBN-13: 978-0387983370
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,100,522 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Topics don't match the title, August 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mathematica Computer Programs for Physical Chemistry (Paperback)

The title of this book is misleading. We are told that these are programs, written in Mathematica, that illustrate principles of physical chemistry. Instead, the author gives a variety of problems that show little application to using Mathematica to solve problems.

In the section "How To Run The Programs", the author claims that 5 simulations are written in QuickBASIC. His reason is that Mathematica is too slow to run Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations. This shows that the author knows little of Mathematica. First, Mathematica code can be compiled, thus executing fast enough to run any simulation. Second, Mathematica programming style is rule and function-based. This type of programming style produces code that is efficient and simple. The author uses procedural programming, which although supported by Mathematica, is an older and outdated form.

The book is an exposition of unrelated examples and seems to provide little information about physical chemistry or Mathematica

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Outdated, not a reference for Mathematica, July 29, 2007

By 

Andrew Dick "Science Guy" (Brisbane, QLD AUS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mathematica Computer Programs for Physical Chemistry (Paperback)

This book is a waste of time now. The book itself has nothing about mathematica in it, and just lists the basic equations of physical chemistry. As a physical chemistry book, it's pretty pathetic too. The programs themselves won't run under mathematica 6 so really, don't bother, thankfully I just got it out of the library...

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quotes from a chemistry teacher, June 15, 2004

By 

ToolmakerSteve (Folsom, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mathematica Computer Programs for Physical Chemistry (Paperback)

I have not read this book myself, but I've extracted some key quotes from a book review in The Chemical Educator by Sally Chapman of Columbia University:

"The Mathematica programs are easy to execute, and many take full advantage of the impressive graphical capabilities of this software package."

"The depth of coverage in many areas often goes beyond most conventional junior-year physical chemistry courses, but this allows instructors to go more deeply into their favorite topics. I believe that any physical chemistry instructor will enjoy using the programs."

"But how well will it work for students? ... Something I find challenging, interesting, and great fun to prepare, all too often doesn't excite the students nearly as much as it did me. Why? Because when they use it, the process is all too automatic."

Ms. Chapman continues with detailed examples of pros and cons, and which sections she found most useful and why.

An educator considering this book would benefit from the full review (also internet posted - do a Google search).