After these basic and rather abbreviated treatments of elementary calculations, there are chapters an activity coefficients, graphical methods, separations, and nnmerical and wmputer methods. Eqnilibrium quotients are obtained from thee modynamic values by application of the DebyeHuckel equation, and then more realistic cdculetians are performed with the corrected "wnstant." The chapter ommended not only because of its eomprehensive presentation hut also because it on graphical methods begins with the frequently provides an original approach conversation-stopper, "We know, in printo many equilibrium systems which are ciple, how to solve any equilibrium p r o b lem," and proceeds to a. well-done survey familiar hut all too often considered in s of logarithmic and distribution diagrams manner somewhat less than rigorous. with emphasis on the "master variable" as JAMES A. G O L D M . ~ propounded by Sillen and by Freiser and Pololyleehnic Institute of Brooklyn Fernando. Log diagrams are said to he Brooklyn, New York used because they "linearize our curves," whereas it would be more to the point to explain that they make curves visible over tremendous concentration ranges on one graph. Since the "alpha. function'' was developed emlier, it would have been Chemical Equilibrium worthwhile to use it in connection with the log diagrams. Separations are presented Allen J . Bard, University of Texas, as rather brief views of ion exchange, Austin. Harper and Row, Inc., New solvent distribution, and electrodeposition, York, 1966. 202 pp. Figures. 16 X providing simple introductions to these 24 cm. $7.50. topics. The chapter on calculations shows how iteration can be used to solve q u a ; After introducing the basis far the law tions, and suggests the importance of of chemical equilibrinm, via thermodynacomputer programming in equilibrium mio and kinetic arguments, the author calculations. provides a guided tour through the stanIn view of the brevity of the hook, it is dard types of calculstions on simple examespecially commendable that each chapter ples of acid-base, solubility, complex supplies referenoes which would be useful formation, and oxidation-reduction equito the interested student. Also, there are libria. The discussions are clear, though good selections of problems with each brief and unencumbered by difficulties chapter, with answers to some in an a p such as wmplicating sidereactions, acpendix. The reviewer found only a few tivity coefficients, and experimental realiopportunities for niGpicking, such as the ties. suggestion that equilibrium theory is The treatment of acids and bases makes applicable, including equilibrium constant correct and consistent use of the Brginsted expressions, to the case of steady state definitions, rit,h no mention of "hydrolkinetics as observed in nuclear decay ysis" or 'kmmonium hydroxide." There chains. Overall, the book is quite is no discussion of strnctural effects on acid worthy of consideration by teachers. I t strength, and there is little discussion of could be used at the freshman level, where buffer solutions and no explanation of parts would be omitted, and it could be ampholytes. In the solubility chapter used with sophomores provided the the usual and undue reliance is placed on instructor is prepared to supplement the the solubility product wnstmt, and the text with more detailed material. student is Led to hdieve that polyvalent mlts dissociate wmpletely, rather than in RICHARD W. RA\IBTI.E steps. A good, though short., treatment of Carleton College fractional precipitation is followed by a Northfield, Minnesota short discussion of the enhancement by acids of the solubility of salts such as sulfides. Tinder mmolex ion eauilibria selection of thoughtful problems and auggestians for expermental investigations. Throughout the book critical references are provided to pertinent journal articles and other books. .4ppendix I is an annotated wmoilstion of some selected eauilib-
proton-transfer tipd into systems of wmpeting equilibria. The systems used me illustrative rather than representative of actual experimental studies. EDTA is mentioned, and the "alpha" pH function is developed for polypratio ligands. The oxidation-reduction chapter uses reactions written slwrtys m reductions, with standard reduction potentials. Equilibrium constants are calculated via subtraction of couples. Spontaneous reactions are identified through inspeetion of potentials to see which couple has the "better eleotron puller." Cases for discussion are good examples of practical inorgsni~analyticd chemistry. There is no discussion of galvanic ells, and potentials are presented simply as numbers which indicate the tendency to "pull electrons."
Stoichiometry: Atomic Weights, Molecular Formulas, Microcosmic Magnitudes
~~~~~~dK. ,yosh, ~~~~~d university-. ~ d d i ~ publishing ~ ~ -co., ~ ~ ~ ~~ 1966. + 182 pp. ~ i ing, and tables. 16 X 23.5 cm. $3.95. "Stoichiometry" is a supplemental book written for college freshmen chemistry students and wvers those topics relating to weighing and numbering atoms and molecules. Acwrding to the author the primttry goal of this text is a systematic examination of haw-by assigning weights (or masses) to atoms and formulas to molecules-chemists become able to characterize the fundamental
entities of chemistry. The author has chosen the traditional approach to the subject of stoichiometry which he refers to as the "low road," rather than to introduce data, collected by the use of complex instruments and interpretable only with theaid of higher theory. The first four chapters deal with the familiar subjects related to stoichiometry: The Atomic-Molecular theory; The Kinetic-Molecular theory; The Systemstic Assignment of Atomic Weights; and The Systematic Assignment of Molecular Formulas. The fifth and last chapter brings together the ideas presented in the first four and confirms, extends, snd qualifies some of the results obtained. I n the last chapter the Phenomena of Association and Dissociation are presented to explain deviations in the gas laws. X-ray crystallography and the Boltzmann distribution law are studied to give experimental bases fur determining Avogadro's number. The mass spectrograph and its applications are used to study isotopes and establish the atomic weight scale. The hook is written in a narrative style which arouses the curiosity of the reader and makes whst might be considered dull topics very interesting. The material is presented in a logical way and is based on data. that can he obtained readily and easily. Frequent references m e made to material presented in earlier sections whiob helps to tie all of the chapters together and develops a, coherent mode of thought. I t is the opinion of the reviewer that this text belongs an the shelf of every serious chemistry student. The topics of this book are fundamental and too often we find that beginning and advanced chemistry students h e failed to master the wnstructions of chemical stoichiometry.
P. CALVINMAYBURY University of South Florida Tampa
Problem Solving in Chemistry: A Dimensional Approach
Glen Tilbury, Wisconsin Stste University, Platteville. Lyons and Carnaban (an affiliate of Meredith Publishing Co.), Chicago, 1967. 236 pp. Figs. and tables. 16 X 23 cm. $2.20. This is a revised edition of a problem book previously reviewed (THIS JOURNAL 41, AS32 D9641). Although approxiof the volume is a l~mately ~ d ~threequarters ~page-for-page ~ . reprint, some minor *Iterations have been made, and three new ideas x~~~. willnst,mtd The chanter -.. --. =~.- Gram-Atoms --.has been merged with the chapter Moles, short sections on finding squares and square roots of exponential numbers and with the slide rule have been added, and a few sections have been rewritten. A new chapter on Equilibrium treats gsseous mixtures (on the basis of molar concentratiom), acid-hase reactiorli, nnd w l u b ~ l ~ t y product. The ch.aprrr llenr and Chnngrs in \latter i.i Inon mtitkd 'l'hcrmochcmir Volume
44, Number 7, July 1967
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