Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Kinetics, 1st edition

Andrew Cooksy’s clear teaching voice help students connect immediately with the subject matter while defusing some of their initial trepidation about physical chemistry. Through lively narrative and meticulous explanations of mathematical derivations, Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Kineticsengages students while fostering a sincere appreciation for the interrelationship between the theoretical and mathematical reasoning that underlies the study of physical chemistry. The author’s engaging presentation style and careful explanations make even the most sophisticated concepts and mathematical details clear and comprehensible.  

• For students in need of a review at the start of the term/quarter, Chapter A: “Tools of Math and Physics” summarizes the prerequisite mathematics and physics assumed by the rest of the text. While the text reminds the student of specific equations from basic math and physics as needed, Chapter A underscores the fundamental nature of the course material by presenting at the outset the essential math and physics principles from which we construct chemical theory.
• Reflective of popular lecture strategies, chapter opening and closing features ground each topic within the larger framework of physical chemistry and help students stay oriented as they deepen their understanding.
  • Opening features including a “Visual Roadmap” and “Context: Where Are We Now” show  readers where they are within the text and relative to other physical chemistry topics.
  • “Goal: Why Are We Here?” and “Learning Objectives” features prepare students for the work ahead and outline the skills students should expect to acquire from their study of the chapter.
  • The concluding “Where Do We Go From Here” section at the end of each chapter reinforces student orientation and illuminates the intrinsic connection between concepts..

COOKSY’S PRECISE EXPOSITION AND UNIQUE FEATURES STRENGTHEN STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING AND ABILITIES IN QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE REASONING.

Derivations demystified: Derivations are made transparent and comprehensible to students without sacrifice of mathematical rigor. Colored annotations provide crucial help to students by explaining important steps in key derivations. Step-by-step derivations are also supported by detailed marginal notes explaining each step enabling students to retrace the math at a leisurely pace and freeing up instructor time in lecture.

• Thoughtful color-coding in key equations makes it easier for students to follow the development of complex derivations as well as recognize common mathematical elements that appear in the representation of different physical situations.

  Summaries spell out the essential results of difficult derivations, making it easier to accommodate the needs of different courses, the preferences of different instructors, and the study and review habits of different students.
• In-chapter Sample Calculations focus on inputting values into important equations, to convey a sense of reasonable numerical values of derived parameters, expose students to essential unit conversions, and reinforce a basic understanding of the related principles.
• Simple Word Problems and Examples expose students to connections between a Key Equation and a specific application from chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering. .
• End-of-chapter problems test the student’s grasp of chapter material, from a superficial awareness to progressively deeper levels of understanding, often requiring the consolidation of material from preceding chapters. The problems are divided into “Discussion Problems” that require little or no math, and “Quantitative Questions” that test the student’s ability to obtain specific results identifying the relevant concepts then manipulating the corresponding equations and approximations of physical chemistry.  Exercises draw primarily from fundamental molecular physics and physical organic chemistry, but also incorporate biochemical and chemical engineering applications.

ACTIVE RESEARCH, ACTUAL TOOLS, AND TECHNIQUES: LEARNING ABOUT THE INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF MODERN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY, AND MEETING RESEARCHERS AT WORK TODAY, STUDENTS GAIN AN APPRECIATION FOR THE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THIS SCIENCE TO MANY FIELDS.

• Full-page Tools of the Trade sections highlight the design and operation of commonly used experimental apparatuses and how they relate to the principles discussed in the chapter.
• Biosketches in each chapter present a brief description and profile of a contemporary scientist or engineer and their current research relating to Physical Chemistry.  Subjects reflect a diverse range of applications, locations, and stages of achievement, demonstrating the wealth of opportunity in chemistry, as well as the relevance of physical chemistry to all other subdisciplines in the molecular sciences.
• An open access, online solutions manual includes step-by-step worked solutions–written by the author-- for all end-of-chapter problems. Unlike most solutions manuals, these unique solution sets emphasize qualitative results at the conclusion of many problems to help students move beyond the math to a deeper understanding of the concepts. Guides to solving more complicated problems with symbolic math software such as Maple and Mathematica are also provided.