Recommended Physical Chemistry Text

[ChaoticLlama]

Hello, I'm taking Physical Chemistry I in second year, and my prof does not have a required book for the course and everything will be based off his notes (which are very good by the way)

However, I would like a deeper understanding of the material, and the prof did recommend two books. What, if anything, do you know about their quality?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0072534958/?tag=pfamazon01-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/013027805X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

here is the course description:

http://www.ucalendar.uwaterloo.ca/0607/COURSE/course-CHE.html#CHE200S" -- Look for CHE 230

Thanks

 

[Valkarie]

for asking! The first book, Physical Chemistry by Ira Levine, is generally well-regarded and is used in many college courses. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in physical chemistry courses, including thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. The second book, Chemical Thermodynamics by Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula, is also well-regarded and is used in many college courses. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in thermodynamics courses, including the laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and applications of thermodynamic principles. Both books are comprehensive and provide an excellent introduction to physical chemistry.

 

[piercas]

for reaching out for a recommendation on a physical chemistry text! I understand the importance of having a solid understanding of the material and wanting to supplement your professor's notes. I am not personally familiar with the specific books recommended by your professor, but I can offer some general tips for evaluating the quality of a textbook for a scientific subject like physical chemistry.

First, it's always a good idea to check the credentials of the authors. Are they experts in the field of physical chemistry? Have they published other textbooks or research papers in the subject? This can give you an idea of their level of expertise and credibility.

Next, take a look at the contents and organization of the book. Is it well-structured and easy to follow? Does it cover all the topics you expect to learn in your course? Are there clear explanations and examples to help you understand the material?

It's also important to consider the edition of the book. Is it the most recent edition? Physical chemistry is a constantly evolving field and newer editions may have updated information and examples.

Lastly, I would recommend reading reviews from other students or professors who have used the book. This can give you a better understanding of how helpful the book was in their learning process.

Overall, I cannot make a specific recommendation without personally evaluating the books, but I encourage you to consider these factors when making your decision. Best of luck in your studies!