Essential Math for the Sciences: Algebra ... - ACS Publications

Essential Math for the Sciences: Algebra, Trigonometry, and Vectors (Beiser, Arthur). Donald J. Reuland. J. Chem. Educ. , 1969, 46 (12), p A899. DOI: ...
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book reviews tion of the topic parallels that found in many chemical engineering texts. Those concepts included are constant pressure filtration, constant rate filtration, and a con.iderat,ion of the factors that optimize the operating conditions for a filter press. Chapter 5. Distiiiation (46 prohlems). Special emphasis is plared npon the calculation of the degree of separation that can he attained doring the fractionation of binary and ternary systems. The use of McCaho-Thiele and Ponchon-Savarit eonstructions to determine the distillation efficiency of a. particular column under a given set of operaiing condit,ions is stressed. Chapter 6. Eztraetion (18 problems). Solid-liquid and liquid-liquid extraction theory is needed to solve the problems. Some attention is given to the use of the Nernst distribution equation; however, t,he major concern is to disouss and employ semi-empirical mebhods to predict the nnmher of ext,raetion staees that are required to realize a certain efficiency. Chapter 7. Gas Treatment and Sorption (38 problems). The range of prohlems inehtde st,raightforward gas law calculations, gas-solid adsorption based upon the Lnngmuir or the B.E.T. isotherm, and gas-lirpid distribution equilibria as applied to scrubbing operations. Certain of the problems are devoted to the use of ion exchange resins in water purification processes. Chapter 8. Chemical Kinetics (3.5 ~~~~~~~

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prohlems). The prohlems emphanix the determinetion of the order and the specific rate constant for a reaction from concentration-time data for the renetion. Quant,itative consideration by a. graphical technique is given to continuous stirred-tank reactor operation. Chapter 9. Chemical Thermodynamics (42 prohlems). The prohlems are based uoon Hess's law and the Kirchoff equation to predict the heat effects during the chemical reaction. The magnitude of the standard free energy change and the interpretation of Ellingham diagrams are needed to predict the extent and the feasibility far a given renctian m d e r a specified set of condibions. Chzpter 10. Eleetroehemislr?~(27 prohlems). Solutions of the problems require the use of the electrochemical principles such as eleotrnlytie conductance theory and Kohlrausch's law, the Nernst equation for the behavior of reversible galvanic cells, and Faraday's laws of electrolysis. The wide spectrum of industrial applications is the unique feature of this chapter. Chmter 11. Comoosite Problems. The many concepts stressed in the previous chapters are integrated by considering bhree separate indostrial processes. Each process is described, the necessary data are tabulated, and problems are posed covering the dinerent phases of each process. The particular industrial operations that are considered include: A Modified n o w Process for Phenol Manufacture (17 prohlems); The Extraction of Pentane From Shale (15 problems); A Pilot Scale Process far t,he Manufacture of Poly-

ethylene-terephthalate (18 prohlems). The instructor in an undergraduate physical chemistry course will find this text a. valuiihle sonree of prohlem ideas that relate the theory of physical chemistry to the prsetieality demanded in industrial calculations. This text can pmfitahly serve as a problem supplement. in those chemical engineering courses that stress unit operations. "Applied Physical Chemistry Problems" should be widely adnpted to provide the qoantitative basis for courses in industrial chemistry.

Greeneastk, Indiana Essential Math for the Sciences: Algebra, Trigonometry, a n d Vectors

Arthzir Beiser, formerly of University. McGraw-Hill New York, 1969. 244 pp. tables. 14 X 21 cm.

New York Book Co., Figs. and Softbound.

$3.50.

In the last decade high schools have tended to intensify their offerings in the sciences and to accelerate their program in mathematics. As a result, while the hetterstudents come to oallege with astronger background, many of the average students come knowine a little science hut are

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Volume 46, Number 12, December 1969

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book reviews for the Sciences: Algebm, Trigonometry, and Vectors" by Arthur Beiser is an sttempt t o deviate this former problem. As stated in the preface, "The purpose of this book is to survey the most basic of these tools - algebra, trigonometry, and vectors - and to provide the reader with enough praotice in their use that they assist and not obstruct his exploration of arinnrn . . ... Much of the book will serve . ...~~ a" a review fop most readers. and indeed ~

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chapters which in addition to nmveying dsebra, trigonometry and vectors, provide a' introdu&ian to sooh topics as: exponential notation, significant figllres, logarithms, use of slide rule, approximations and radian measure. Numerous tables t,o assist in ca.lclculations are included in fonr appendices. Each topic is developed briefly and clearly requiring only the knowledge of simple arithmetic, and several examples axe then worked out in considerable detail. Many of these examples are taken from the sciences. Unfortunately the only such example taken from an area other than physics is the pH scale used to illustrate the utility of logarithms. Numerous problems are then given with the answers provided. The book is relatively free from error with only two typographical errors and an error of omission in oversimplifying the pH scde noted on a quick reading. The aulhor intends his work for self stndy. However, it is difficult to imagine

a student t,esrhing himself in a short period of time material which, no matter how clearly presented in a book, he has

been unahle to grasp while being taught for the past few years. Some supervision will mdoubtedly be required and the problem remains a?with all supplementary texts of this type-when and how to implement this supervipion. Certainly the author achieves his purLQse of providing a review of the material for the bet,ter prepared student and this alone would make his work worthwhile. Also, perhaps s better title for the book would have been, "Essential Math for the Introductory Sciences." At any rate, there is no doubt that it would be a real joy to teach a class of general chemistry in which each strident had an understanding of mathematics comparable to that intended by this book.

its ions follow. Further sections include the physical properties of the element, the chemical reactions of the element and some of its ions, and reactions of the ions which occur with a change of valence. Chapters on detection and determination and toxicity conclude the work.

JANET B. VANDOREN College of Wooster Wooster, Ohio Preparative Organic Photochemistry

Alexander S e h h b e ~ g , Technische Universitgt, Berlin. 2nd ed. I n eoaperation with Giinther Otto Schenck and Otto-Albrecht Neumiiller, Max-Planck Institut fur Kohlenforschnng Miilheim/ Rohr. Springer-Verlag, h e . , New York, 1968. xiii 608 pp. Figs. and tables. 17 X 23..5 em. $37.

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J. R ~ W L A N D DONALD This eomdetelv Indiana State Uni%??~it?/ . revised Enelish lanpnapv e.litim d r h nlwrg's rsrlivr hook, Teme Haute P i O i l . Photorlwro~ic," effectively catalogs the photochemical literature through 1965. Though the Gmelins Handbuch der Anorganischen organization of topics is completely Chemie. 8. Auflage, System arbitrary, i t is efficient and useful. The Nummer 48, Vanadium. Teil A, book provides a most complete reference Liefervng 2, Das Element source to t,he current sitnstion in the photochemical literature. This reviewer Edited by E. H. E. Pietach and the found no reference errors in the selections Gmelin Institute. Verlag Chemie he chose bo cross check. GMBH, Weinheim/Bergstrasse, 1968. One feature of the book will deter all xxii 408 pp. Figs. and tables. 17.5 but the mast affluent, from purchasing a X 25.5 om. 16117.50. copy of Schiinberg. I t costs $37! This volume begins with descriptions DOUGLAS C. NECKERS and methods of preparation and separaHope College tion of the numerous vanadium isotopes. Holland, Michigan Spectroscopic properties of the atom and

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Volume 46, Number 12, December 1969

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