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The derivation of Boltzmann's distribution that McDowell (1) presented in his recent note is very similar to the derivation provided by Henry Bent in The Second Law (2), his excellent introductory text on classical and statistical thermodynamics, which was published in 1965. I have been using this derivation in my teaching for almost 30 years.
Perhaps, because Bent's book was published 35 years ago, it is no longer read by chemical educators. If this is the case it is unfortunate, because The Second Law is a lively, marvelously clear, and insightful treatment of thermodynamics and its chemical applications. It has guided my presentation of thermodynamics to undergraduates throughout my teaching career.
Literature Cited
- McDowell, S. A. C. J. Chem. Educ. 1999, 76, 1393.
- Bent, H. A. The Second Law; Oxford University Press: New York, 1965; pp 163-165.
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