Problems in chemical thermodynamics (Bearman, Richard J.; Chu

Problems in chemical thermodynamics (Bearman, Richard J.; Chu, Benjamin). Charles E. Hecht. J. Chem. Educ. , 1968, 45 (3), p A234...
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grams, nonclectrolyte solutions, and physical and chemical equilibria. The authors' purpose as set forth in the preface is to help students in undergraduate physical Each chapter is followed by approxichemistry and in beginning graduate mately twenty prohlems (answers in the courses t o learn and experience problem hack of the hook) which strongly resemble solving. the problems in physical chemistry textThe limited number of topics covered books. For the junior physical chemistry even under classical thermodynamics is a student, this book could be used as a resevere lack. The authors mention they view, but a rigorous text would be preferare planning a whole series of additional able. For the freshman student receiving his introduction to thermody~amic'i volumes, hut if they produce them, the final result cannot fail to be unwieldy for strictly from this source, this book can be studeuts. recommended only if the instructor is The problems themselves are mostly aware of it'1 shortcomings and t,akes pains pedestrian. They are neither very to correct them in class. thought provoking and intriguing as those MORTON 2. HOFFMAN in the Adamson collection, "UnderBoston University standing Physical Chemistry," nor are Boston, Masmt-husells they of the type that derive information from raw experimental data as in the collection of Guggenheim and Prne, Problems in Chemical Thermodynamics "Physicochemical Calculations." Too much attention is given to engine and Richard J . Bearman and Benjamin Chu, Carnot cycle type prohlems under the both of the University of Kansas. second law heading (15 out of 31) and too Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., ReadIitt-Ie attention to calculations involving ing, Massachusetts, August, 1967. xii real irreversible processes for which the 240 pp. Figures. 15.5 X 23 cm. shident must map out his own series of $4.95. Paperbound. reversible steps for entropy and free This is a collection of 128 problems in energy computations. Many of the therselected areas of strictly classical thermomodynamic derivation problems obtain dvnamics. all of which are omvided with results also derived in the stmdard texts or certainly covered in most lecture detailed solutions. The areas covered are iivlwlinr *irnnle m m s~ es. caseons ... %+,ate ~~~~. ~ . smno ~ ~ " ....... ....r.. ~n ... ..-~ " ..~ ...r. . . ideal equations of state, first law including Each set of prohlems is introduced with elementaqy thermochemistry, second law, some discussion and a set of formulas. use of the chemical potential and various Some of this is quite good, particularly the activity functions, phase rule and diaunusually clew and careful presentation

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A234 / Journal of Chemical Education

of the concepts of differentials of work and heat in reversible and irreversible processes. The treatment of nunelectrolyte solutions is a t a more advanced level than that given in most undergraduate texts. However, exception should be made to the implication (p. 57) that entropy changes can sometimes be computed along an irreversible path unless an extended discussion is given of the role of the surroundings in the entropy change of a system. The authors' lack of a clear definition of independent component leads to unnecessary difficulties in problems 4.1-3 and 4.3-6. I n summation, then, I feel this book would be of marginal value to graduate students and to most undergraduates but that it could be useful for some beginners in physical chemistry who have had little Dreviolis experience in vroblem solvine-.

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CHARLES E. I~BCHT Hunter College of the C i t d V n ersity of New York /em York, New York ExperiifMIs inRhysical Chemistry

D& P Shoemaker and Carl W . f l n - M , both of Ma~sachusselts Inffitute of Technology 2nd cd McCraw-Hdl Book Co New York June. 1967. ix 490 pp.' Figs. andtables: 1 8 3 X 26 cm. 59.95. .

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The edit'ion Of this laboratory in physical chemistry (Continued on page A238)