This book is organized in three levels, such that from level to level the portion and importance of thermodynamics and mathematics are increased. On the first level, the book demonstrates that the basic principles of phase equilibria can be understood without the use of thermodynamics. The intermediate level provides an introduction to thermodynamics and culminates in the Gibbs energy as the arbiter for equilibrium. The third level places emphasis on binary systems, where one or more phases are solutions of the components. It derives explicit relationships between the variables for equilibria involving ideal mixtures and ideal dilute solutions, while non-ideal systems are treated from three different angles: geometrically, analytically, and numerically. Throughout, high priority is given to the thermodynamic assessment of experimental data and numerous end-of-chapter exercises and their solutions are included.
From the reviews:
"Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter: Phenomenology and Thermodynamics is a welcome addition to the literature. The text will be useful to advanced undergraduates and first-year graduates ? who want to extend their knowledge of phase diagrams and how those diagrams connect to thermodynamics. ? also be of value to more experienced practitioners who want to broaden their perspective. ? I heartily recommend Equilibrium Between Phases of Matter if you want to enrich your knowledge of phase equilibrium and phase diagrams and their relation to thermodynamics." (John C. Wheeler, Physics Today, February, 2009)
