Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
An Integrated Approach

Learn classical thermodynamics alongside statistical mechanics and how macroscopic and microscopic ideas interweave with this fresh approach to the subjects.

M. Scott Shell (Author)

9781107656789, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 April 2015

498 pages, 96 b/w illus. 13 tables 438 exercises
25.4 x 18.5 x 4.6 cm, 0.98 kg

'This text provides a long-awaited and modern approach that integrates statistical mechanics with classical thermodynamics, rather than the traditional sequential approach, in which teaching of the molecular origins of thermodynamic laws and models only follows later, after classical thermodynamics. The author clearly shows how classical thermodynamic concepts result from the underlying behavior of the molecules themselves.' Keith E. Gubbins, North Carolina State University

Learn classical thermodynamics alongside statistical mechanics with this fresh approach to the subjects. Molecular and macroscopic principles are explained in an integrated, side-by-side manner to give students a deep, intuitive understanding of thermodynamics and equip them to tackle future research topics that focus on the nanoscale. Entropy is introduced from the get-go, providing a clear explanation of how the classical laws connect to the molecular principles, and closing the gap between the atomic world and thermodynamics. Notation is streamlined throughout, with a focus on general concepts and simple models, for building basic physical intuition and gaining confidence in problem analysis and model development. Well over 400 guided end-of-chapter problems are included, addressing conceptual, fundamental, and applied skill sets. Numerous worked examples are also provided together with handy shaded boxes to emphasize key concepts, making this the complete teaching package for students in chemical engineering and the chemical sciences.

1. Introduction and guide to this text
2. Equilibrium and entropy
3. Energy and how the microscopic world works
4. Entropy and how the macroscopic world works
5. The fundamental equation
6. The first law and reversibility
7. Legendre transforms and other potentials
8. Maxwell relations and measurable quantities
9. Gases
10. Phase equilibrium
11. Stability
12. Solutions - fundamentals
13. Solutions - advanced and special cases
14. Solids
15. The third law
16. The canonical partition function
17. Fluctuations
18. Statistical mechanics of classical systems
19. Other ensembles
20. Reaction equilibrium
21. Reaction coordinates and rates
22. Molecular simulation methods.

Subject Areas: Engineering thermodynamics [TGMB], Materials science [TGM], Biochemical engineering [TC], Thermochemistry & chemical thermodynamics [PNRW]