Thermodynamics basics free energy concept

This book outlines the basic principles needed to understand the mechanism of explosions by chemical explosives. The history, theory and chemical types of explosives are introduced, providing the reader with information on the physical parameters of primary and secondary explosives. Thermodynamics, enthalpy, free energy and gas equations are covered together with examples of calculations, leading to the power and temperature of explosions. A very brief introduction to propellants and pyrotechnics is given, more information on these types of explosives should be found from other sources. This second edition introduces the subject of Insensitive Munitions (IM) and the concept of explosive waste recovery. Developments in explosive crystals and formulations have also been updated. This book is aimed primarily at A level students and new graduates who have not previously studied explosive materials, but it should prove useful to others as well. I hope that the more experienced chemist in the explosives industry looking for concise information on the subject will also find this book useful. 

In 1923. Lewis published a classic book (later reprinted by Dover Publications) titled Valence and the Structure of Atoms and Molecules. Here, in Lewis s characteristically lucid style, we find many of the basic principles of covalent bonding discussed in this chapter. Included are electron-dot structures, the octet rule, and the concept of electronegativity. Here too is the Lewis definition of acids and bases (Chapter 15). That same year, Lewis published with Merle Randall a text called Thermodynamics and the Free Energy of Chemical Substances. Today, a revised edition of that text is still used in graduate courses in chemistry. 

Given that quantum chemistry calculations directly provide electronic energies, which formally correspond to zero temperature and pressure, ways for connecting to finite, realistic temperature and pressure are needed. One method is first-principles thermodynamics (FPT), the basic concept of which is that the thermodynamically prevailing state of a surface is the one that minimizes the surface free energy, y, subject to external conditions such as temperature and the chemical potentials of the various components of the system ... 

The basic requirement for the development of a more generally applicable solvent concept is the need to try to separate the various factors responsible for the solvating power of a solvent. It is important to find criteria for the solvents character that can be correlated not only to salt solubility and apparent conductivity but also to the impact of the solvents on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the electrochemical reactions. There are several approaches to defining a typical solvent property that can represent its polarity and be correlated to the thermodynamics and kinetics of reactions conducted in its solutions (i.e., a linear free-energy relationship). A comprehensive review of such approaches by Reichardt [12] divides them into three categories ... 

In this Chapter, we quickly review some basic definitions and concepts from thermodynamics. We then provide a brief description of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Next, we discuss the mathematical consequences of these laws and cover some relevant theorems in multivariate calculus. Finally, free energies and their importance are introduced. 

Chapters 1-3 outline the basic concepts of chemical thermodynamics energy, entropy, and equilibrium. Chapter 4 introduces free energy and... 

Of books published in 1969, that by Mayer gives a formal and rigorous approach to statistical mechanics, with a few examples of application and with little comparison between theory and experiment. Morton and Beckett s Basic Thermodynamics deals with sixth-form, O.N.C., and undergraduate courses, but only about one-sixth of the book is directly related to chemical aspects. However, applications to chemistry include the use of the concepts of free energy and activity and the determination of equilibrium constants. Appendices treat units, bond dissociation energies, standard electrode potentials, questions, and sources of useful equipment, and provide further information. 

Before turning to a discussion on particular interactions, it is worth reviewing the basic principles of the thermodynamics of surface forces and the concept of surface (or interfadal) free energy and of surface tension in particular. 

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