May be repeated for credit. Consent of instructor required. Fundamental microscopic properties of matter and radiation are discussed. A core of topics including quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics is supplemented with topics germane to the wide variety of students taking physical chemistry. Such additional topics might include nuclear magnetic resonance, symmetry, photochemistry, crystals, or macromolecules.
Topics address contemporary physical and descriptive inorganic chemistry.
Fundamental properties of macroscopic physical and chemical systems are introduced and described in quantitative terms. Careful handling practices and controlled variation of reaction parameters to obtain high yield syntheses. Use of standard separation techniques and spectrophotometric methods to identify reaction products and assess their purity. Basic processes, instrumentation and applications of ultraviolet, visible, fluorescence, atomic and mass spectroscopy, electrochemistry, surface and microanalysis, and separations. Emphasis will be placed upon acquisition, treatment, and interpretation of data and report writing.