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Preface
Thermodynamics, a key component of many fields of science and engineering, is based
on laws of universal applicability. However, the most important applications of those laws,
and the materials and processes of greatest concern, differ from one branch of science or engi-
neering to another. Thus, we believe there is value in presenting this material from a chemical-
engineering perspective, focusing on the application of thermodynamic principles to materials
and processes most likely to be encountered by chemical engineers.
Although introductory in nature, the material of this text should not be considered sim-
ple. Indeed, there is no way to make it simple. A student new to the subject will find that a
demanding task of discovery lies ahead. New concepts, words, and symbols appear at a bewil-
dering rate, and a degree of memorization and mental organization is required. A far greater
challenge is to develop the capacity to reason in the context of thermodynamics so that one
can apply thermodynamic principles in the solution of practical problems. While maintaining
the rigor characteristic of sound thermodynamic analysis, we have made every effort to avoid
unnecessary mathematical complexity. Moreover, we aim to encourage understanding by writ-
ing in simple active-voice, present-tense prose. We can hardly supply the required motivation,
but our objective, as it has been for all previous editions, is a treatment that may be understood
by any student willing to put forth the required effort.
The text is structured to alternate between the development of thermodynamic princi-
ples and the correlation and use of thermodynamic properties as well as between theory and
applications. The first two chapters of the book present basic definitions and a development of
the first law of thermodynamics. Chapters 3 and 4 then treat the pressure/volume/temperature
behavior of fluids and heat effects associated with temperature change, phase change, and
chemical reaction, allowing early application of the first law to realistic problems. The sec-
ond law is developed in Chap. 5, where its most basic applications are also introduced. A full
treatment of the thermodynamic properties of pure fluids in Chap. 6 allows general applica-
tion of the first and second laws, and provides for an expanded treatment of flow processes
in Chap. 7. Chapters 8 and 9 deal with power production and refrigeration processes. The
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