Atkins' Physical Chemistry 11e

Book excerpt: Atkins' Physical Chemistry: Molecular Thermodynamics and Kinetics is designed for use on the second semester of a quantum-first physical chemistry course. Based on the hugely popular Atkins' Physical Chemistry, this volume approaches molecular thermodynamics with the assumption that students will have studied quantum mechanics in their first semester. The exceptional quality of previous editions has been built upon to make this new edition of Atkins' Physical Chemistry even more closely suited to the needs of both lecturers and students. Re-organised into discrete 'topics', the text is more flexible to teach from and more readable for students. Now in its eleventh edition, the text has been enhanced with additional learning features and maths support to demonstrate the absolute centrality of mathematics to physical chemistry. Increasing the digestibility of the text in this new approach, the reader is brought to a question, then the math is used to show how it can be answered and progress made. The expanded and redistributed maths support also includes new 'Chemist's toolkits' which provide students with succinct reminders of mathematical concepts and techniques right where they need them. Checklists of key concepts at the end of each topic add to the extensive learning support provided throughout the book, to reinforce the main take-home messages in each section. The coupling of the broad coverage of the subject with a structure and use of pedagogy that is even more innovative will ensure Atkins' Physical Chemistry remains the textbook of choice for studying physical chemistry.