Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The fourth edition of this widely acclaimed textbook provides a concise and easy-to-understand introduction to chemical thermodynamics. Beginning with an examination of equilibrium in familiar mechanical objects, the book gives a straightforward account of the factors that determine equilibrium in chemical systems. The underlying principles of thermodynamics are discussed, then applied to a wide range of physicochemical systems. The problems of non-ideal solutions and the concept of activity are covered, and the text offers a useful introduction to the molecular basis of thermodynamics. This new edition is fully illustrated, and features a clearer text design and larger format. Many new sample problems and worked examples are included. Students in thermodynamics will continue to find this popular book a clear introduction to an important subject.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Notation
• Introduction
• Energy
• Entropy and equilibrium
• Equilibrium in chemical systems
• Determination of thermodynamic quantities
• Ideal Solutions
• Thermodynamics of gases
• Molecular basis of thermodynamics
• Answers to problems
• Appendix 1 Thermochemical data at 298.15 K
• Appendix 2 Thermodynamic data for ions in aqueous solution at 298.15 K
• Further Reading

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Smith (Oxford Univ.) is to be commended for capturing the essence of chemical thermodynamics in quite a small volume. This new edition (4th ed., 1990) can serve as a quick reference for those who have already a good background in classical thermodynamics, but need a quick brush up in chemical thermodynamics, especially in the areas of physical chemistry and combustion. The emphasis is on thermodynamic property relations that prove particularly useful for an experimental chemist. The book is more suitable for laboratory science applications and basic research rather than engineering design. Thus, it may be too introductory for chemical engineers who need in-depth knowledge on thermodynamic processes in the design of open systems and cycles. The book may be used as a course resource; however, its major deficiency is its limited number of homework problems at the end of each chapter. The book consists of nine chapters with an average of five problems per chapter. It would have been quite attractive in the chapter on the molecular basis of thermodynamics to include derivations of important transport properties such as viscosity based on the kinetic theory of gases. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals. R. N. Laoulache University of Massachusetts Dartmouth