What is Physical chemistry: Definition and 150 Discussions

Physical chemistry is the study of macroscopic, and particulate phenomena in chemical systems in terms of the principles, practices, and concepts of physics such as motion, energy, force, time, thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, statistical mechanics, analytical dynamics and chemical equilibrium.
Physical chemistry, in contrast to chemical physics, is predominantly (but not always) a macroscopic or supra-molecular science, as the majority of the principles on which it was founded relate to the bulk rather than the molecular/atomic structure alone (for example, chemical equilibrium and colloids).
Some of the relationships that physical chemistry strives to resolve include the effects of:

Intermolecular forces that act upon the physical properties of materials (plasticity, tensile strength, surface tension in liquids).
Reaction kinetics on the rate of a reaction.
The identity of ions and the electrical conductivity of materials.
Surface science and electrochemistry of cell membranes.
Interaction of one body with another in terms of quantities of heat and work called thermodynamics.
Transfer of heat between a chemical system and its surroundings during change of phase or chemical reaction taking place called thermochemistry
Study of colligative properties of number of species present in solution.
Number of phases, number of components and degree of freedom (or variance) can be correlated with one another with help of phase rule.
Reactions of electrochemical cells.

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  1. H

    A question about physical chemistry

    For the problem of particle in a 1D box V(x)=0 for 0≦x≦a ∞ for anywhere outside the box I know that Hamiltonian operator commutes with momentum operator so they should have smae eigenfunction but it's obvious that the wavefunction (2/a)^1/2sin(nπx/a) is not a eigenfunction of linear...
  2. L

    Can The Joule Coefficient be Derived Using the First Law and Maxwell Relation?

    The Joule coefficient, μJ, is defined as μ = (∂T/∂V)U. Show that μJ CV = p – αT/κ Relevant equations Cv=(∂U/∂T)v κT=-1/V*(∂V/∂p)T α=1/V*(∂V/∂T)p dV(T,p)=(∂V/∂T)pdt+(∂V/∂p)TdpWhat I have attempted was to make μ = (∂T/∂V)U=(∂T/∂U)V(∂U/∂V)T=(∂U/∂V)T*Cv-1. Then α/κT=(∂V/∂T)p/(∂V/∂p)T because the...
  3. Ariel Jo

    Calc ∆Ho & ∆Eo for CH3OH Reaction @ 298K

    Homework Statement For the reaction CH3OH(l) → CH4 (g)+ 1/2 O2 (g)[/B] (a) Calculate ∆Ho298 (b) Calculate ∆Eo298 (c) Write an equation that would allow you to determine ∆H at 500°C and 1atm Homework Equations ∆H=∆E+∆(PV) ∆H=Σ∆Hproducts-Σ∆Hreactants The Attempt at a Solution a)...
  4. C

    Show that wave function in coordinates x,y is normalized

    Homework Statement A particle is described by the state of the following wave function. wavefunction(x,y) = 30/[(a^5)(b^5)]^1/2 * x(a-x) * b(b-y) Homework Equations integral from 0 to i of x^n * (1-x)^m dx = (n!m!)/(n+m+1)! The Attempt at a Solution I know that normalizing means taking the...
  5. Titan97

    Chemistry Books on physical chemistry by Atkins

    I saw many books on physical chemistry by Peter Atkins. 1)Elements of Physical chemistry by Peter Atkins and Julio De Paula 2)Physical Chemistry by Peter Atkins and Julio De Paula 3)Chemical Pricnciples - A quest for insight by Peter Atkins and Loretta Jones Which book should I use for learning...
  6. NanaToru

    Metaphor for orbital angular momentum?

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  7. G

    Distance between points in crystal

    I am wondering how can I solve following problem. I would like to see how can it be solved.
  8. M

    Adsorption, coagulation, flocculation, and entropy

    Homework Statement Adsorption, coagulation, and flocculation are all important processes to remove or separate target substances from mixtures. In these processes, we can observe the spontaneous decrease of entropy.; can we therefore conclude that the second law of thermodynamics doesn't always...
  9. Raazi

    Modeling Hydrophobic Interactions

    Hi, I am trying to design or find a simulator for hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions which can be used in tandem with a multi-objective optimization framework such as Jmetal or etc... I am having trouble determining a generalized approach for modeling the contact angle from younge's equation...
  10. G

    Determine all of the Physical Chemistry Variables of the System

    Homework Statement A weather balloon is filled with Helium gas and released from the ground. It goes up 18km and achieves a diameter of 15m. Determine if the following values are greater than zero, less than zero, or equal to zero: ΔV, ΔP, ΔT, ΔU, ΔH, Ssys, surr, Stot Homework Equations ΔU =...
  11. G

    Effects of Intermolecular Forces?

    For a van der Waals gas, there are London dispersion forces causing the gas particles to be attracted to each other while the law of excluded volume provides repulsive forces. How do each of these characteristics effect the pressure, volume, and temperature of the gas? I assumed that for the...
  12. Y

    Chemistry Recommendation for Chemistry textbooks

    I want a good book on Physical Chemistry at 11-12(university or pre-un) grade level. It should include topics about bonding(VSEPR, VBT, MO) etc. I also need suggestions about some books on organic and inorganic chemistry.
  13. J

    Physical Chemistry pH question

    Homework Statement The dissociation constant Ka for the acid-base reaction HA-->(H+)+(A-) is given by Ka = products / reactants; but instead of listing Ka, people generally list pKa = -logKa (where log indicates the 10-base logarithm). Similarly, instead of using [H+], people generally use pH...
  14. J

    Physical Chemistry: Chemical Equlibrium

    Homework Statement For the reaction: 2SO3(g) →2SO2(g)+O2(g) when 2.00 mol of SO3 is added to a flask at 10.0 L and 350 K at fixed volume, at equilibrium the ratio of SO2:SO3 is 0.663. What is the values of the equilibrium constant? What is ΔG° at this temperature? Homework Equations...
  15. J

    Partial Derivative Manipulation for Physical Chemistry Homework problem

    Homework Statement Given the functions Q(v,w) and R(v,w) [/B] K = v(dQ/dv)r and L = v(dQ/dv)w Show that (1/v)K = (1/v)L + (dQ/dw)v (dW/dv)r I have the problem attached if for clarity of the information. Homework Equations I assume everything is given in the problem. The Attempt at...
  16. I

    Physical Chemistry: Atkins or Levine?

    Good evening guys, I have to decide whether to purchase Atkins or Levine for my physical chemistry learning? Personal experiences with the textbooks are encouraged.
  17. C

    Physical Chemistry- Rates and Kinetics

    Homework Statement The Reaction; 2NO(g) + Cl2 (g) → 2NOCl (g) Is second order in NO and first order in Cl2. Five moles of nitric oxide and two moles of Cl2 were brought together in a volume of 2dm3 and initial rate was 2.4x10-3 moldm-3sec-1. What will be the rate when one half of the...
  18. L

    Dear Physics Forum: Calculus problem (Physical Chemistry)

    Homework Statement In the electrochemists technique of cyclic voltammetry, the peak current, I, is a simple function of the scan rate, v, according to the Randles-Sevcik equation: Homework Equations I = 0.4463nFAc(nF / RT)^1/2 D^1/2 V^1/2 Where n is the number of electrons transferred, F is...
  19. djh101

    Irreversible Adiabatic Expansion (Physical Chemistry)

    Homework Statement Consider the adiabatic expansion of .553mol of an ideal monatomic gas with CV,m = 3R/2. The initial state is described by P = 6.25bar and T = 306K. Calculate the final temperature if the same gas undergoes an adiabatic expansion against an external pressure of P = 1.25bar to...
  20. P

    Learning physical chemistry online? My professor is bad

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  21. djh101

    Physical Chemistry Electives: ODE, Mechanics, or Mathematical Methods?

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  22. micromass

    Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach by McQuarrie and Simon

    Author: Donald McQuarrie, John Simon Title: Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0935702997/?tag=pfamazon01-20
  23. Greg Bernhardt

    Physical Chemistry by Peter Atkins

    Author: Peter Atkins Title: Physical Chemistry Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716735393/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  24. L

    Physical Chemistry 2: Best Book for Preparing & Acing the Course

    Hey guys, I hope this is the right spot to this. I don't want to get another infraction. I just got recently got out of my first physical chemistry class and am now thinking towards the second one. I'm wondering which book would be the best supplement to read over the break and help me get...
  25. K

    Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and fluorescence

    Homework Statement Consider fluorescence (light emission from an electronically excited state of a molecule) in the presence of a quenching molecule M. Quenching refers to the removal of energy from an excited electronic state by collision, and so without light emission. A mechanism for such...
  26. Q

    Physical Chemistry water vapor/phases present question?

    23.7 g of water is in a container of 23.7 L at 298.15 . The vapor pressure of water at this temperature is 23.76 Torr. A) What phases are present? B) At what volume would only the gas phase be present? C) At what volume would only the liquid phase be present? A) I know that only the...
  27. M

    Physical Chemistry Problem, Evacuated tube - where does reaction take place?

    Homework Statement Two balls, one soaked in concentrated HCl and the other in NH4OH are placed at the left and right ends of a 1m long evacuated glass tube, respectively. HCl and ammonia vaporize and travel down the tube, reacting to form a white ring where they meet. Where does the ring form...
  28. P

    Physical Chemistry- Partial Pressures

    Hello all, This is a homework problem for my CHE345 class. Not sure what to do here, please at least let me know if I'm in the right ballpark. Homework Statement A student decomposes KCLO3 and collects 35.2 cm^3 of O2 over water at 23.0°C. The laboratory barometer reads 751 Torr. The...
  29. Y

    Physical Chemistry without Previous Chem Experience

    Is it a good idea to take P Chem without taking any chemistry at college level? My high school had a strong chemistry program (we did organic in high school) but I haven't done any Chemistry in college. I am currently taking Quantum Mech 2, and will be taking Thermal Physics and Condensed Matter...
  30. N

    Courses Uni course- Biophysical Chemistry, or Physical chemistry

    Uh, my program is Biotechnology/biochem (might change it). I can take a "Biophysical chemistry"or a "physical chemistry" mind you, I am strugging to even pas year one physics i hate it and it sucks. So I really want something with not as much math. Does anyone know if biophysicalchem has less...
  31. T

    Physical Chemistry- Using the integrated Vant Hoff Equation with K values.

    Homework Statement The equilibrium concentration of oxygen in fresh water exposed to the atmosphere is given for two temperatures. At 15 degrees celcius equilib [O2]= 630μmol/L at 25 degrees celcius equiln [O2]= 517μmol/L The expression for the equilibrium constant, K, between the oxygen...
  32. A

    Calculating Air Volume and Composition with Physical Chemistry Principles

    A mole of air (80% Nitrogen, and 20% Oxygen by volume) at 298.15K is brought into contact with liquid water which has a vapor pressure of 3168 Pa at this temperature. a) what is the volume of the dry air if the pressure is 1 bar? b) what is the final volume of the air saturated with...
  33. K

    Statistics Problems from Physical Chemistry

    Homework Statement The following data were obtained for trace elemental zinc in a particular sample of high purity (%Au> 99.99%). The results are given in mg Zn/ kg Au. 15.38, 15.17, 15.33, 14.88, 14.71, 15.42, 15.60, 15.22 Find the zinc content and the uncertainty at 95% confidence...
  34. V

    Overlap between physical chemistry and chemical engineering?H

    How much overlap is there between physical chemistry and chemical engineering with regards to thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena? Would it be beneficial for a chemical engineering student to take the physical chemistry courses that deal with these topics? Or would it be redundant...
  35. A

    Entropy calculations involving integration (physical chemistry)

    This isn't a homework question per se, but more of a coursework question. Specifically, I'm a bit at a loss as to how to go about learning a particular section of the coursework for a physical chemistry (i.e. thermochemistry) class I am taking. The section in question is that pertaining to...
  36. N

    Physical Chemistry: Estimating ΔG of an Ideal Gas

    Homework Statement Estimate ΔG for the process where one mol of ideal gas is subjected to an increase in pressure from 1.00 atm to 11.0 atm at 25.0°C. Homework Equations ΔG=ΔH-TΔS ΔH=C(p,m)(Tf-Ti The Attempt at a Solution Seems straight forward, but it seems i am not given...
  37. Z

    What Material is Best for a Frying Pan Handle Based on Heat Capacity?

    Homework Statement 1. Ideally, the handle of a frying pan should not get hot while you are cooking with it. Based on the information listed in Table 2.8 of your textbook (or 2.7 in 8th, 2.6 in 7th ed.) choose the substance below that would be the best frying pan handle material. Assume that...
  38. O

    Find the final temp (Physical chemistry)

    Homework Statement A system of 57.g of liquid water at 298k is heated using an immersion heater at a contsant pressure of 1 bar. If a current of 1.50 A passes through the 10.0-ohm resistor for 150s. What is the final temperature of the water? Homework Equations w=VIt C=q/deta(t) V=IR...
  39. Mmm_Pasta

    Should I Take Physical Chemistry for My Minor in Physics?

    I am majoring in physics with a minor in chemistry and I am wondering if taking two semesters of physical chemistry as an option for the minor would be redundant. From looking around I have seen that the first semester is watered down thermodynamics and the second semester is about quantum...
  40. M

    Chemistry How much math and physics will I need for physical chemistry?

    I am new to this forum. Although physical chemistry only requires calculus 3 (which I'll have taken regardless), many people are saying that I would be better off taking more math than that before taking physical chem, since I wouldn't have to learn as much that's new. I've been recommended...
  41. S

    Physical Chemistry (dissolution of a substance)

    Homework Statement The dissolution of 5.25 g of a substance in 565 g of benzene at 298 K raises the boiling point by 0.625°C. Note that Kf = 5.12 K kg mol-1, and Kb = 2.53 K kg mol-1, and the density of benzene is 876.6 kg m-3. Calculate the freezing point depression, the ratio of the...
  42. Simfish

    Physical Chemistry vs Statistical Mechanics notation

    Are they different in any significant ways? Are they frequently confusing? For whatever reason, I find pchem books somewhat hard to read (for now) because something with the notation is confusing me. Statistical Mechanics books are much more readable. Okay, for some reason, I understand things...
  43. U

    Physical Chemistry Q: Do conduction band electrons affect chemical properties?

    Warning: I'm not a practicing chemist. Answers in as-simple-as-possible language (but not oversimplified!) would be greatly appreciated! I'd like to know if the chemical properties of a solid can be affected by conduction band electrons. I assume that, in the majority of cases (and perhaps...
  44. H

    Understanding the Quantum Mechanical Model for V = Infinity and V = kx2/2

    Homework Statement What are the energies and wave functions for the quantum mechanical model where V = infinity for x less than or equal to 0 and V = kx2/2 for x greater than or equal to 0? Homework Equations 1-D particle in a box E = (h2/8m)(n2/L2) Harmonic Oscillator E = (v +...
  45. H

    Studying physics and physical chemistry at the same time - dilemma

    It'll be a long one, but I'll try to make it as short as possible. First, I should give a brief introduction to the education system in the country I come from. Perhaps you've heard of the Bologna process in Europe; well, officially, we've accepted the system, but there are some differences...
  46. P

    Should I take physical chemistry?

    Hi. I did well in calc 1, but I got a C in calc 2. I also took both calc 1 and 2 about five years ago. I feel I didn't do well in Calc 2 because i didn't try, not because I was incapable of understanding, but I honestly have NO IDEA what calc 2 was about. However, Physics 2 (with calculus)...
  47. M

    Book recommendations for Physical Chemistry

    I am an undergraduate student who wants a good, easy to understand, book for physical chemistry, specialized on topics like equilibrium, kinetics, etc. Please recommend some good books, which have the concepts explained thoroughly.
  48. C

    How to Calculate Vapour Pressure of H2O(g) at 298K?

    Homework Statement Calculate the vapour pressure of H2O(g) at 298K and an overall pressure of 1 atm., using the data provided. It cannot be assumed that dHvap and dSvap are independent of temperature. H2(g) dHcomb (298K) = -241.8kj/mol (H2(g) as a product)) Cp - 33.6 H2(g) dHcomb (298K) =...
  49. H

    Solve Physical Chemistry Homework: ∆S, Td, ∆fCp - Tmax Stability

    Homework Statement The question is attached. Homework Equations -∆fS (T - T0) - (∆fCp/T0)[(T - T0)2/2] = 0 Please let me know if this doesn't make any sense! The Attempt at a Solution Given: Td: 39.3ºC = 312.45K ∆H: 157 kJ/mol = 152000 J/mol I calculated ∆S = -∆H/Td -----> ∆S = -486.48...
  50. J

    Physical Chemistry 1st Law of Thermo

    Homework Statement Two containers each contain 0.500 moles of N2 initially at 300. K. One container has a fixed volume, and the other container has a movable frictionless piston. If both containers are heated by 1000. J energy, calculate the final temperature of N2 for each container...
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