Essentials of nuclear chemistry, second edition (Arnikar, H.J.) - Journal

Essentials of nuclear chemistry, second edition (Arnikar, H.J.). H.E. Suess. J. Chem. Educ. , 1988, 65 ... 1996 73 (8), p A174. Abstract: Ernest L. El...
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Application of these principles to atoms and molecules fallows in Chapters 3 to 5. The principles of statistical mechanics are developed in Chapter 6. The discussion of Boltzmann's h-Theorem leads directly to the eouation for the absolute entroov. of a systrm ronsistingof a tired ournhrrot i n o r rulrr in a fixed \,olumr. 'l'hi: tormula providrs the fundamm~alrrlation5hip brrwren classical macroscopic thermodynamics and microscopic quantum states. It is the crucial link between thermodynamics and quantum theory. In Chapter 7 the equilibrium properties of several idealized macroscopic svstems consistine " of noninteractine oarticles are calculated usine" statistical mechanics. Systems of interacting particles, i.e., fluids are treated in Chapter 8. The authors provide a variety of exercises toengage the student in thought and to provide practice in problem solving. In view of the widespread availability of personal computers, the authors also include anumber of specifically computer-related problems. These are supported by special sections in the text called "Computer Highlights", which discuss an algorithm or computer program to solve a problem that is not amenable to paper-and-pencil solution. The text is exceptionally well-written and eminently readable. The authors are to be commended for their clarity of exposition in the mathematical development of physical ideas and their insiehtful descri~tionof var-

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chapter is a valuable resource for readers to explore. Gloria Dimopion Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, iL 60625

to have knowledge of recent developments in all these fields. Students, however, should have some knowledge of the existence of all topics that rightfully belong to the subject matter of nuclear chemistry. In this respect the book is excellent, because it provides a really complete overview of these matters. The different topics, however, are necessarily treated a t levels that vary from almost trivial, elementary explanations to highly advanced theoretical analyses. Also, while very modern views are discussed in some fields, advances in other subjects such as, for example, in nuclear geochemistry, made during the last 30 years are not included. Still, the book is extremely valuable for getting an overview, though necessarily somewhat sketchy, of what belongs in the field of nuclear chemistry. The most valuable features of the book are the references t o many classical, hut often forgotten, publications, and also the many problems listed a t the end of each section t o test students' understanding of the matter. These include, along with trivial and elementary problems, sophisticated and advanced exercises, many of them not found in any other textbook. The book can be recommended as a most useful companion far students of nuclear chemistry as well as for anyone interested in the basic principles of nuclear energy and technology. H. E. S u e s University of California. San Diego La Jolia. CA 92093

Theory of Magnetlc Resonance. S e c o n d Edition Charles P. Poole, Jr and Horacio A. Farach. Wiley: New York, NY, 1987. xvi 359 pp. Figs. and tables. 16.1 X 24.1 cm.

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Essenlials of Nuclear Chemistry, Second Edition H. J. Arnikar. Wiley: New York. NY. 1987. xii 343 pp. Figs. and tables. 15.9 X 24.2 cm. $24.95.

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This textbook for graduate and postgraduate students was written and printed in India. Hence it is not surprising that it is uniaue in manv wavs. The author intends to

sion of nuclear reactions frequently considered to represent the field of nuclear chemistry proper. Nuclear spectroscopy, spin and magnetic moments, the shell- and single particle models, as well as origins and abundances of the elements and the physics of thermonuclear reactions are mentioned. In addition to these topics of nuclear physics and chemistry, pragmatic matters of nuclear energy, such as reactor physics and teehnology, are included. The natural reactor in coastal Central West Africa, the Oklo Reactar, is mentioned, and Paul Kuroda's hook is quoted for further studies. Data on nuclear reactors in India are reported, in particular a f a fast breeder test reactor a t Kalpakkam that was completed in December 1985. Obviously, in a textbook of some 300 pages, these topics cannot be treated exhaustively. Also, no student can be expected

$59.95.

The second edition of an earlier text by the same name, appears to have as its intent the integration of new phenomena specifically germane to the field of magnetic resonance in general, with the basic theory originally developed in the first edition. Within some degree of limitation, necessarily imposed by the 350 pages of the book, the authors have accomplished the implied goal reasonably well. However, there are some specific comments which, in this reviewer's opinion, appear to be in order. In Chapter 1,the last equation on page 2 should specifically label the electron-Bahr magnetan and "g" factor as 8, and g,, respectively. Since PNand g~ are already used to distinguish the corresponding nuclear parameters, @, and g, should he used for the electron parameters in this and all subsequent sections of the hook. Equation W l b ) of Chapter 3 designates the hyperfine coupling constant by the symbol "T". However, the Symbol "A" was initially employed in equation (1-8), and for consistency A should be used in place of T. This is part~cularlyapparent in Chapters 5 and 6, in which defining A+ and A in terms o f T and its tensorial components, becomes somewhat confusing.

(Continued on page A190) Volume 65

Number 7

July 1988

A189