Physical Chemistry: Atkins or Levine?

[Improvisation]

Good evening guys,
I have to decide whether to purchase Atkins or Levine for my physical chemistry learning? Personal experiences with the textbooks are encouraged.

 

[DrDu]

I found Atkins a horrible book. Let me give you an example: He starts out to introduce temperature via reference to the ideal gas law, and remarks, that a precise definition will be given later. Later, he defines entropy as S=Q/T and finally claims that now he can define T as dU/dS, which is obviously circular. Generally with thermodynamics, it is quite hard to make out a structure. There are many preliminary settings and it is hard to find a final definition.
Of Ira Levine, I only know her book on quantum chemistry, which is excellent.
One of my personal favourites is the book "Physical Chemistry" by Walter J. Moore.

 

[mpresic]

I liked Moore Physical Chemistry

 

[JPKelly6]

Moore is classic but very old. It is at the macroscopic level & might go well with Bruce Mcquarrie's book.

 

[rezeew]

I have personally used both Atkins and Levine for my studies in physical chemistry. Both are excellent textbooks and have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Atkins is known for its clear and concise explanations, making it a great choice for beginners or those who may struggle with complex concepts. It also has a large number of practice problems, which can be helpful for reinforcing key concepts.

On the other hand, Levine is known for its in-depth coverage of topics, making it a great resource for advanced students or those looking for a deeper understanding of physical chemistry. It also has a wide range of real-world applications, which can be useful for those interested in practical applications of the subject.

Ultimately, the decision between Atkins and Levine may depend on your personal learning style and the specific topics you are interested in. I would recommend trying to look at both textbooks in person, if possible, to see which one resonates with you more.

Additionally, I would also suggest considering using both textbooks in conjunction with each other. This can provide a well-rounded understanding of the subject and allow you to see different perspectives on the same topic.

Overall, both Atkins and Levine are highly respected textbooks in the field of physical chemistry and I am confident that either one would be a valuable resource for your studies.