Molecular Driving Forces: Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry & Biology

By Ken A. Dill and Sarina Bromberg

Book Overview

Molecular Driving Forces is an introductory statistical thermodynamics text that describes the principles and forces that drive chemical and biological processes. It shows how the complex behaviors of molecules can result from a few simple physical processes, and a central theme is how simple models can give surprisingly accurate insights into the workings of the molecular world. Written in a clear and reader-friendly style, the book gives an excellent introduction to the subject for novices. It should be useful to those who want to develop their understanding of this important field, seeing how physical principles can be applied to the study of modern problems in the chemical, biological, and materials sciences.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0815320515
• ISBN13: 9780815320517
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Garland Science
• Length: 686 Pages
• Weight: 3.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.5" x 1.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Great book for basics on Stat Mech

This book covers pretty much everything you need to know for a statistical mechanics class: it starts with a brush-up on statistics and necessary calculus skills and moves on to the basics of thermo and then stat mech. The authors are excellent writers and make the text almost entertaining (compared to other textbooks in my field). In my case, the only part that wasn't useful was the lack of coverage on the Ising Model. Problems are great for reviewing for tests as well. I used this book for my chem eng grad school class and found it helpful for untangling the mess of derivations and equations in my notes into something more meaningful.

Santiago on Dill

This book covers a broad field of topics not present in similar books more than usual ones. A great value for a teacher or for advanced undergraduate students!

A great book on Stat. Mech.

I always consult this book when I need to brush up my stat. Mech. Highly recommended.

spectacular introduction!

I have this book assigned as a text book for one of my classes and it is superb. Very clear explaination from the very basics of statistics and how it builds up to thermodynamics and beyond. The book succintly explains all of the necessary math and has instructive examples to drive the point home. I really like this book!

Want to understand the physics if life? Need to read this!

The topic of this book, the physical chemistry of molecules, especially those relevant to biology, is one of the most challenging courses to a college student in chemist. But these authors have tried to make it easy for you - and they succeed. They used figures, pictures and analogies to help you to understand some of the most sophisticated concepts in science. For example entropy. The authors are leading researchers in the field and they brought a unique perspective to the subject; the writing is very lucid.