Thermodynamics II (ENT 243/3): Electronic Books

This text combines an old look at thermodynamics with a new foundation. A New Perspective on Thermodynamics can be considered a new edition of P.G. Tait's book, which profoundly impacted generations of thermodynamicists. The book will present a historical perspective which unravels the current presentation of thermodynamics found in standard textbooks, and which emphasizes the fundamental role that Carnot played in the development of thermodynamics. Conceptual flaws in timely topics, such as endoreversible engines, finite-time thermodynamics, and single-molecule measurements which use equilibrium changes in the free energy to determine nonequilibrium work, are highlighted. The book introduces a new outlook on thermodynamics, showing that it was not formulated as a series of laws, like those of Newton, but, rather, as the desire to account for the effects of heat on otherwise mechanical systems, and the possible overlap of the interpretations of first and second laws. In fact, the historical development shows that there is no clear-cut distinction between the first and second laws; irreversibility can be characterized by an increase in entropy or a diminution in the internal energy. Notwithstanding this, it is Clausius s approach which is almost universally adhered to. An approach to the development of non-Carnot efficiencies is given, and how it can be used in modern contexts. Critiques are given on finite-time thermodynamics, non-Carnot cycles, single molecule experiments that equate non-equilibrium work with equilibrium free energy chains.

This book is an excellent companion to Chemical Thermodynamics: Principles and Applications. Together they make a complete reference set for the practicing scientist. This volume extends the range of topics and applications to ones that are not usually covered in a beginning thermodynamics text. In a sense, the book covers a "middle ground" between the basic principles developed in a beginning thermodynamics textbook, and the very specialized applications that are a part of an ongoing research project. As such, it could prove invaluable to the practicing scientist who needs to apply thermodynamic relationships to aid in the understanding of the chemical process under consideration. The writing style in this volume remains informal, but more technical than in Principles and Applications. It starts with Chapter 11, which summarizes the thermodynamic relationships developed in this earlier volume. For those who want or need more detail, references are given to the sections in Principles and Applications where one could go to learn more about the development, limitations, and conditions where these equations apply. This is the only place where Advanced Applications ties back to the previous volume. Chapter 11 can serve as a review of the fundamental thermodynamic equations that are necessary for the more sophisticated applications described in the remainder of this book. This may be all that is necessary for the practicing scientist who has been away from the field for some time and needs some review. The remainder of this book applies thermodynamics to the description of a variety of problems. The topics covered are those that are probably of the most fundamental and broadest interest. Throughout the book, examples of "real" systems are used as much as possible. This is in contrast to many books where "generic" examples are used almost exclusively. A complete set of references to all sources of data and to supplementary reading sources is included. Problems are given at the end of each chapter. This makes the book ideally suited for use as a textbook in an advanced topics course in chemical thermodynamics. Key Features * An excellent review of thermodynamic principles and mathematical relationships along with references to the relevant sections in Principles and Applications where these equations are developed * Applications of thermodynamics in a wide variety of chemical processes, including phase equilibria, chemical equilibrium, properties of mixtures, and surface chemistry * Case-study approach to demonstrate the application of thermodynamics to biochemical, geochemical, and industrial processes * Applications at the "cutting edge" of thermodynamics * Examples and problems to assist in learning * Includes a complete set of references to all literature sources