An accessible, straightforward presentation of classical thermodynamics, focusing on derivations of basic relations, starting with thermodynamic laws and various applications of interest to chemical engineers. Written in a clear, rigorous, and understandable manner, the book extends applications of fundamental concepts by presenting topics relevant to chemistry, but which are often omitted from thermodynamics books. It indicates the conditions under which a particular equation is valid. And, it incorporates modern symbols and nomenclature, such as the notation recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. A valuable reference on thermodynamics for chemical engineers.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
PREFACE
Classical thermodynamics, the subject of this book, is concerned with macroscopic aspects of the interaction of matter with energy in its various forms. This book is designed as a text for a one-semester course for senior undergraduate or graduate students who have already been introduced to thermodynamics in an undergraduate physical chemistry course.
Anyone who studies and uses thermodynamics knows that a deep understanding of this subject does not come easily. There are subtleties and interconnections that are difficult to grasp at first. The more times one goes through a thermodynamics course (as a student or a teacher), the more insight one gains. Thus, this text will reinforce and extend the knowledge gained from an earlier exposure to thermodynamics. To this end, there is fairly intense discussion of some basic topics, such as the nature of spontaneous and reversible processes, and inclusion of a number of advanced topics, such as the reduction of bomb calorimetry measurements to standard-state conditions.
This book makes no claim to be an exhaustive treatment of thermodynamics. It concentrates on derivations of fundamental relations starting with the thermodynamic laws and on applications of these relations in various areas of interest to chemists. Although classical thermodynamics treats matter from a purely macroscopic viewpoint, the book discusses connections with molecular properties when appropriate.
In deriving equations, I have strived for rigor, clarity, and a minimum of mathematical complexity. I have attempted to clearly state the conditions under which each theoretical relation is valid because only by understanding the assumptions and limitations of a derivation can one know when to use the relation and how to adapt it for special purposes. I have taken care to be consistent in the use of symbols for physical properties. The choice of symbols follows the current recommendations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) with a few exceptions made to avoid ambiguity.
To reduce the number of topics covered, or to adapt the text to a first-time introduction to thermodynamics, the instructor might consider skipping material in some of the following sections: 4.12, 5.12, 7.6.6, 7.6.7, 7.8.5, 7.8.6, 7.9, 8.2.5, 8.4.4, 8.4.5, 9.5.4, 9.6.4, 9.7, 10.2.6, and 10.3.
A Solutions Manual (ISBN 0-02-328742-X) is available to faculty who have adopted the text. Please speak to your Prentice Hall representative if you would like a copy.
I owe much to J. Arthur Campbell, Luke E. Steiner, and William Moffitt, gifted teachers who introduced me to the elegant logic and practical utility of thermodynamics. I am immensely grateful to my wife Stephanie for her continued encouragement and patience during the period this book went from concept to reality.
I would also like to acknowledge the help of the following reviewers: James L. Copeland, Kansas State University; Lee Hansen, Brigham Young University; Reed Howald, Montana State UniversityBozeman; David W. Larsen, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Mark Ondrias, University of New Mexico; Philip H. Rieger, Brown University; Leslie Schwartz, St. John Fisher College; Allan L. Smith, Drexel University; and Paul E. Smith, Kansas State University.
I welcome comments and suggestions for improving this book. My e7mail address appears below.
Howard DeVoe
College Park, Maryland e-mail: hd5@umail.umd
From the Back Cover
An accessible, straightforward presentation of classical thermodynamics, focusing on derivations of basic relations, starting with thermodynamic laws and various applications of interest to chemical engineers. Written in a clear, rigorous, and understandable manner, the book extends applications of fundamental concepts by presenting topics relevant to chemistry, but which are often omitted from thermodynamics books. It indicates the conditions under which a particular equation is valid. And, it incorporates modern symbols and nomenclature, such as the notation recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. A valuable reference on thermodynamics for chemical engineers.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
ALMOST DEFINITIVE TREATMENT,
By A Customer
This review is from: Thermodynamics and Chemistry (Paperback)
I wish the book of Howard DeVoe to bear the rating of five stars. After comparing it with a few other chemical-thermodynamics books on the market, I come to the opinion that it is the most clear and concise treatment of the subject (written either in English or Russian). Conceptually, it inherits much from the well-known books of Denbigh and Adkins, but it is modern, more precise and formal, and provides a wealth of relevant illustrations from recent experimental studies. Another merit is that it follows exactly the IUPAC rules (with one or two exceptions explained in the text). The conventional standard states are described in detail and given a due emphasis throughout the text. I recommend DeVoe strongly to anyone concerned with teaching of physical chemistry. It is a treasure for a teacher who seeks for the best way of presenting the matter. Of course, it is rather condensed and too deep for undergraduates, but, in fact, it may be accessible to them. My only grudge is related to the basics of mathematics. All modern textbooks on thermodynamics are ready to explain the vital difference between exact and inexact differentials, and all, including this one, avoid stating clearly what they mean under the differential. I think anyone fresh or refreshed in elementary calculus should feel uneasy about the notion of inexact differentials. The situation remains unsatisfactory, as was decades ago, and it is high time for moving towards a more sound mathematical framework. This has already been done in some advanced physics courses. The interested reader may consult for this issue Frankel's "The Geometry of Physics" or Bamberg & Sternberg's "A Course in Mathematics for Students of Physics". But these books, especially the former, are hard for those with a modest training in mathematics.
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