Keith J. Laidler – författare

Reaction Kinetics, Volume II: Reactions in Solution deals with the kinetics of reactions in solution and discusses the basic principles and theories of kinetics, including a brief description of homogeneous gas reactions. This book is divided into two chapters. The first chapter focuses on the general principles of reactions in solution that includes reactions between ions and involving dipoles; influence of pressure on rates in solution; substituent effects; and homogeneous catalysis in solution. Chapter 2 primarily deals with general features of reactions in solution, emphasizing the relationship between the results of a kinetic investigation and actual reaction mechanism. This volume is intended for undergraduate students of chemistry who have not previously studied chemical kinetics. This book is also useful to more advanced students in other fields, such as biology and physics, who wish to have a general knowledge of the subject.

Frontiers of Chemistry reviews the plenary and keynote lectures presented in the 28th International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Congress. The book discusses the future development and applications of chemistry. The text is divided into two main parts, where the first part covers the plenary lectures and the second part covers the keynote lectures. Part 2 is organized into sections, according to contents, such as the role of chemistry in the solution of energy problems; the study of the environment; and the beneficiation of resources. The book will be of great interest to chemists, since it tackles topics that are significant in the advancement of the field of chemistry.

Selected Readings in Chemical Kinetics covers excerpts from 12 papers in the field of general and gas-phase kinetics. The book discusses papers on the laws of connexion between the conditions of a chemical change and its amount; on the reaction velocity of the inversion of the cane sugar by acids; and the calculation in absolute measure of velocity constants and equilibrium constants in gaseous systems. The text then tackles papers on simple gas reactions; on the absolute rate of reactions in condensed phases; on the radiation theory of chemical action; and on the theory of unimolecular reactions. Papers on the theories of unimolecular reactions at low pressures; on the reaction between hydrogen and bromine; and on the oxidation of phosphorus vapor at low pressures are also considered. The book further describes papers on the thermal decomposition of organic compounds from the standpoint of free radicals; as well as on a single chain mechanism for the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons. The book will be invaluable to students of chemical kinetics.

Reactions Kinetics: Volume I: Homogeneous Gas Reactions presents a general introduction to the subject of kinetics, including the basic laws of kinetics and the theoretical treatment of reaction rates. This four-chapter book deals mainly with homogeneous reactions in the gas phase. Chapter 1 presents the kinetic laws based on experimental results in terms of their simple concepts, with a special consideration of the way in which rates depend on concentration, while Chapter 2 deals with the interpretation of rates in terms of more fundamental theories. Chapter 3 covers the overall reactions that are believed to be elementary, such as the reaction between hydrogen and iodine, the reverse decomposition of hydrogen iodide, the corresponding reactions involving deuterium instead of hydrogen, and the dimerizations of butadiene and cyclopentadiene, as well as a few elementary termolecular reactions, all involving nitric oxide. This chapter also includes a general account of some of the elementary reactions that occur as steps in more complex mechanisms. Chapter 4 examines the reaction rates of numerous complex gas reactions. Undergraduate physical chemistry and chemical kinetics students, as well as advanced students in other fields, such as biology and physics, will find this book invaluable.

Science has produced the vast information explosion that barrages us daily with data both trivial and profound. Though people seem eager to acquire more and more information, few understand what to do with it or how to integrate it into a coherent worldview. Paradoxically, as information has increased, knowledge has declined.This book is designed to provide a thorough grounding in science literacy for the general lay reader. Acclaimed science writer and chemistry professor Keith J. Laidler reviews the major contributions of the different branches of science - including biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology - and shows how they all lead to a unified conception of our place in the universe. He further asserts that by lifting the great veil of mystery through science, we can more fully appreciate the beauty of the universe. Although much still remains to be discovered, Laidler stresses that evidence from every field of science supports a consensus view, an elegantly logical and self-consistent picture of the formation and development of the universe and of life within it.Even more important than understanding the basic features of this scientific worldview is knowing the method by which science arrives at its conclusions. He points out that this approach to ascertaining the truth is used by judges in courts of law and by scholars in academic fields of the humanities, as well as by scientists. By learning to weigh sound evidence in an objective and unbiased fashion, we can selectively judge the information that surrounds us and integrate it into a scientific understanding, while still retaining our sense of wonder.This elegantly written and lucid explanation of science in contemporary life will not only spark an interest into the wonders of many fascinating scientific disciplines but will stimulate readers to think more critically and scientifically.