The authors' goal is the presentation of the three major areas of phys ical chemistry: molecular structure, the equilibrium properties of sys tems, and the kinetics of transformations of systems. The theoretical foundations of these subjects are, respectively, quantum mechanics, th ermodynamics and equilibrium statistical mechanics, and chemical kinet ics and kinetic theory. These theories, firmly based on experimental f indings, constitute the structure required for the understanding of pa st accomplishments and the basis for recognition and development of si gnificant new areas in physical...

This book begins with primary concepts of atomic and molecular structure and of how atoms, molecules and bulk matter store and exchange energy. In the next stage, the macroscopic properties of energy and entropy, and the constitutive properties of heat capacities are examined. From these the concept of thermodynamic efficiency is developed. Then the notions of thermodynamic potentials and availability are introduced. With this set of chapters, the analysis of efficient energy use is presented.

Develops the concepts of energy and entropy from first principles. The book discusses the macroscopic properties of energy and entropy, and the constitutive properties of heat capacities and from these develops the concept of thermodynamic efficiency.