Physical Chemistry 2: Best Book for Preparing & Acing the Course

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for textbooks to prepare for a second physical chemistry course, particularly focusing on thermodynamics. Participants share their experiences and suggest resources that may aid in understanding the subject matter.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on the best book to supplement their studies for an upcoming physical chemistry class.
  • Another participant suggests a specific thermodynamics book, indicating it may help in understanding basic concepts.
  • A participant questions the specifics of the syllabus, implying that the content covered may influence book recommendations.
  • One participant mentions that if they were to retake the course, they would study Schroeder's thermal physics alongside it.
  • There is a discussion about the level of math required for the course, with some asserting that mastery of calculus up to Calc II is necessary for success.
  • Concerns are raised about the intensity of the math involved, with one participant suggesting that mastery of Calc II is sufficient for achieving a good grade.
  • It is noted that the course may focus primarily on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, with expectations differing based on whether students are chemistry or physics majors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the necessity of advanced math skills and the specific content of the course, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the best preparation strategies and resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the absence of a syllabus for several weeks, which may limit the ability to provide targeted recommendations. There is also a lack of consensus on the specific topics that will be covered in the course.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for physical chemistry courses, particularly those interested in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, may find this discussion relevant.

laser123
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Hey guys,

I hope this is the right spot to this. I don't want to get another infraction. I just got recently got out of my first physical chemistry class and am now thinking towards the second one. I'm wondering which book would be the best supplement to read over the break and help me get ahead in the class. I just want to do well.

My abilities: Calc I,II and am taking Calc III next semester(optional)

Additional info: Class is jointly taken with the Physics majors and counts as their thermodynamics class.

Thanks to all!
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Are there any books suggested for the course?
 
No sir.
 
I think what the specialists are getting at is

What is on your Physical Chemistry syllabus?

We know it covers thermodynamics, but anything else besides?
 
Last edited:
If I had to retake physical chemistry, I would of studied Schroeder (thermal physics) along side it.

Also, you should get ahead in math and learn what partial derivatives and total differentials are.
 
I just got out of the first p-chem. So no syllabus for like 5 weeks.
 
Thanks Jorriss, I think that's why the physics majors have a little easier time than the chemistry majors. At least at my school we only take through calc 2.

Dr. Du I appreciate it!
 
the math is not that intense.

don't worry about it.

if you have absolutely mastered calc 2, you can get an A. However it has to be mastery, not just being good. That usually takes going through calc 3.

it will probably be a mixture of thermo and stat mech; if your school has a separate stat mech class it'll probably just be thermo. since you're taking it with physics majors, expect the material to be less applied i.e. probably no electrochemistry or solvation theory.
 

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