Introduction to thermodynamics

CHEMISTRY STUDENT GUIDES. GUIDED BY STUDENTSThermodynamics can be used to understand everything from how a drug binds to its site of action through to the efficiency of jet engines.

While it finds applications in all areas of science, technology and engineering, the breadth of thermodynamic applications can be one of the biggest challenges in getting a good understanding of its core concepts. In this book we explore how thermodynamics can help us predict how the properties of materials and mixtures change during chemical reactions and alongside this show how the underlying molecular structures, interactions and entropy, determine the reactions.

We have focused on relating properties that we routinely measure during chemistry experiments (such as the heat adsorbed/released, or the work extracted from a chemical process) to the behaviour of these systems at a molecular scale (for example the organisation of molecules) providing a practical approach to understanding of the importance of thermodynamics in chemistry.

These concepts will also be helpful to students in other areas such as physics and engineering.

Throughout the book, real world examples taken from all areas of chemistry help to illustrate applications of the ideas that are explored.

There are worked examples of how to solve chemical problems using thermodynamic concepts and chances to test your understanding. Chemistry Student Guides are written with current students involved at every stage, guiding the books towards the most challenging aspects of the topic.