If you are using Hermann’s Chemia Fizyczna (PDF or print) today, be aware:
This is usually the largest section and the foundation of the course.
A. The First Law of Thermodynamics (I Zasada Termodynamiki)
B. The Second Law of Thermodynamics (II Zasada Termodynamiki)
C. Chemical Equilibrium (Równowaga Chemiczna)
D. Phase Equilibria (Równowagi Fazowe)
Digital Versions:
University Resources:
| Feature | Hermann | Atkins (Physical Chemistry) | Levine | |---------|---------|----------------------------|--------| | Math level | Calculus + basic differential equations | Multivariate calculus, linear algebra | Similar to Atkins | | Quantum mechanics coverage | Minimal | Extensive (2–3 chapters) | Moderate | | Statistical thermodynamics | Short chapter | Integrated throughout | Separate part | | Molecular dynamics / spectroscopy | None | Strong coverage | Moderate | | Problem difficulty | Low to intermediate | High | High | | Language | Polish | English | English |
Verdict: Hermann is an excellent foundational text for students who need practical physical chemistry for engineering or teaching, but it is not sufficient for graduate-level physical chemistry or for fields requiring modern molecular-level understanding.
A standard edition of Hermann’s Chemia Fizyczna is organized as follows: chemia fizyczna podrecznik tadeusz w hermannpdf
| Section | Topics Covered | Depth | |---------|----------------|-------| | I. Thermodynamics | Zeroth to Third Law; internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs & Helmholtz free energies; chemical potential; equilibrium conditions | High – with solved problems | | II. Phase Equilibria | Clapeyron equation; Raoult's & Henry's laws; distillation, extraction, phase rule; binary and ternary diagrams | Very thorough – strong point of the book | | III. Solutions & Electrolytes | Activity, activity coefficients, Debye–Hückel theory; ionic strength; conductometry | Intermediate | | IV. Chemical Kinetics | Rate laws, Arrhenius equation, complex reactions, catalysis, enzyme kinetics | Solid, but pre-computational approach | | V. Electrochemistry | Equilibrium electrochemistry (Nernst equation), galvanic cells, overpotential, corrosion basics | Good for engineers | | VI. Surface & Colloid Chemistry | Adsorption isotherms (Langmuir, BET), surface tension, micelles | Overview level |
Notably absent or very brief: Quantum chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, computational chemistry, statistical thermodynamics beyond basics.
Tadeusz W. Hermann was a prominent Polish physical chemist and educator. His textbook, Chemia Fizyczna (typically published by Wydawnictwo Naukowo-Techniczne, WNT), has been a standard reference for Polish university students — primarily in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and related fields — for decades.
The book occupies a middle ground:
1. Do not memorize derivations, understand them. Hermann's book is full of derivations. You will likely not be asked to derive the Gibbs-Duhem equation from memory on an exam, but you must understand the assumptions made during the derivation. If you are using Hermann’s Chemia Fizyczna (PDF
2. Master the Units. Physical chemistry is notorious for unit conversions.
3. The "Three-Pass" Reading Method:
4. External Resources: If Hermann’s explanation is too dense (which happens), supplement with:
A comprehensive textbook on physical chemistry like the one by Tadeusz W. Hermann would likely cover a range of topics, including: