Molecular physical chemistry : a concise introduction /

Introductions to physical chemistry all too often leave an unbridged chasm between the microscopic physical properties of molecules and the macroscopic behavior of chemical systems. Unfortunately, this well-motivated attempt by McLauchlan (Univ. of Oxford) to close that gap falls far short of the mark. There are serious errors in the text and many explanations lead not to enlightenment but rather, serious puzzlement. An example of the former occurs when the properties of state functions are introduced using work, which is of course not a state function. Indeed, a claim is made that the work performed will be the same whether the process is reversible or irreversible. Similarly, a derivation of the relation between entropy and the canonical partition function is riddled with errors and mistakes in algebra, although the correct answer magically appears at the end. These errors and others like them are so damaging that one's confidence in the entire book is diminished to the point of it having very little value. ^BSumming Up: Not recommended. M. D. Marshall Amherst College