Molecular physical chemistry: a concise introduction
K. A. McLauchlan
Cambridge: RSC 2004 | Pp136 | £19.95 | ISBN 0 854 04619 4
Reviewed by Mike Pilling
Physical chemistry is often introduced at university level through unconnected courses on the macroscopic (thermodynamics) and the microscopic (quantum mechanics and spectroscopy). In writing this book the author's aim was to provide a readable introduction to thermodynamics and some aspects of reaction kinetics through the behaviour of molecules. In many ways, the book is about statistical thermodynamics and the text follows many of the established approaches for presenting this subject at a level accessible to undergraduates. But its primary purpose is to show the links between and to provide understanding of physical chemistry concepts, rather than be a rigorous primary source.
The first chapter is the best and concentrates on laying the foundations to an understanding of this difficult subject. The Boltzmann distribution is introduced through two-level systems and the links between the temperature-dependent distribution of particles between these levels and the energy and the heat capacity of the overall system are drawn out clearly and without recourse to complex theoretical constructs. If the book helps students to understand these links, it will be well worth the money.
The more formal treatment of partition functions and their relations to thermodynamic functions of state follows and is clearly presented. Perhaps the weakest section is that on classical thermodynamics, where space limitations lead to over-brief and sometimes confusing developments (eg the implication that G is only defined at constant pressure). Presenting statistical thermodynamics before classical thermodynamics, rather than building on the classical framework, has its problems in a book of this length. However, a high point follows with a set of interesting, well-chosen examples. This is followed by a brief chapter on reaction dynamics which aims to emphasise the more profound understanding of macroscopic processes that derives from observations of molecular events. Each chapter has a set of interesting and accessible questions, with numerical answers provided.
Throughout the author draws on his tutorial teaching experience; the style is engaging and careful attention is given to topics where he has previously encountered student difficulties. Although described as an introduction, McLauchlan admits that the book will need to be read in conjunction with standard texts. The book will be of greatest value to undergraduates in their second and subsequent years of study - it will not be an easy read, but it will reward the committed reader. At a time when tutorials are under threat in many UK universities, we need books like this that emphasise understanding.
