Introductory Thermodynamics

Abstract

The fundamental aspects of classical thermodynamics are presented in a simple compact way. The equations derived are illustrated by numerous (111) examples, often direct application of the relations just obtained. The (four) laws of thermodynamics are presented and illustrated. The need to define thermodynamic temperature, the meaning of auxiliary thermodynamic functions, the origin, usefulness and use of partial molar quantities are all examined. Gaseous systems, phase equilibria and chemical reactions are quantitatively treated. It is shown how chemical reactions can provide work. Ideal and non ideal solutions are presented with the various standard states and activity coefficients. This book will be of use to a wide audience of students and professionals in the fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Bio related Sciences.

An expanded two volume set is also available: For details see: Volume One, and Volume Two.

An expanded text is also available in French.

About the Author

Pierre Infelta is currently a senior scientist at Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne, Switzerland. His research areas include photochemistry, microheterogeneous media, chemical kinetics, electron transfer, and solar energy conversion. He has been active in teaching thermodynamics for the past thirty years in the Chemistry and Materials science department at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland. He received his bachelor degree at the Paris University, the Sorbonne and a Chemical Engineering degree at the Ecole superieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles de Paris. After one year of research work in France in photochemistry, he went to to the Mellon institute of research in Pittsburgh, Pa as a Research Associate for 2 years and subsequently received his PhD from Carnegie mellon University. He has done Postdoc work at the university of Notre Dame, Indiana and worked as a research scientist in the Interuniversitair Reactor Institute in Delft, The Netherlands. He is also the author of several several respected articles and books promoting chemical education in both English and French.