ABSTRACT

Molecular Driving Forces, Second Edition E-book is an introductory statistical thermodynamics text that describes the principles and forces that drive chemical and biological processes. It demonstrates how the complex behaviors of molecules can result from a few simple physical processes, and how simple models provide surprisingly accurate insights into the workings of the molecular world.

Widely adopted in its First Edition, Molecular Driving Forces is regarded by teachers and students as an accessible textbook that illuminates underlying principles and concepts. The Second Edition includes two brand new chapters: (1) "Microscopic Dynamics" introduces single molecule experiments; and (2) "Molecular Machines" considers how nanoscale machines and engines work. "The Logic of Thermodynamics" has been expanded to its own chapter and now covers heat, work, processes, pathways, and cycles. New practical applications, examples, and end-of-chapter questions are integrated throughout the revised and updated text, exploring topics in biology, environmental and energy science, and nanotechnology. Written in a clear and reader-friendly style, the book provides an excellent introduction to the subject for novices while remaining a valuable resource for experts.

chapter 1|28 pages

Principles of Probability

chapter 2|10 pages

Extremum Principles Predict Equilibria

chapter 3|19 pages

Heat, Work, & Energy

chapter 4|21 pages

Math Tools: Multivariate Calculus

chapter 5|12 pages

Entropy & the Boltzmann Law

chapter 6|15 pages

Thermodynamic Driving Forces

chapter 7|22 pages

The Logic of Thermodynamics

chapter 8|18 pages

Laboratory Conditions & Free Energies

chapter 9|20 pages

Maxwell’s Relations & Mixtures

chapter 10|24 pages

The Boltzmann 10 Distribution Law

chapter 12|14 pages

What Is Temperature? What Is Heat Capacity?

chapter 13|17 pages

Chemical Equilibria

chapter 14|16 pages

Equilibria Between Liquids, Solids, & Gases

chapter 15|13 pages

Solutions & Mixtures

chapter 18|27 pages

Microscopic Dynamics

chapter 19|28 pages

Chemical Kinetics & Transition States

chapter 20|18 pages

Coulomb’s Law of Electrostatic Forces

chapter 21|21 pages

The Electrostatic Potential

chapter 22|29 pages

Electrochemical Equilibria

chapter 23|15 pages

Salt Ions Shield Charged Objects in Solution

chapter 24|18 pages

Intermolecular Interactions

chapter 25|29 pages

Phase Transitions

chapter 27|17 pages

Adsorption, Binding, & Catalysis

chapter 28|26 pages

Multi-site & Cooperative Ligand Binding

chapter 29|29 pages

Bio & Nano Machines

chapter 30|14 pages

Water

chapter 31|14 pages

Water as a Solvent

chapter 32|15 pages

Polymer Solutions

chapter 33|26 pages

Polymer Elasticity & Collapse

chapter 34|14 pages

Polymers Resist Confinement & Deformation