Physical Chemistry - Quantum Chemistry

Catalog description

Introduction to physical chemistry with primary emphasis on molecular structure, spectroscopy, and chemical kinetics. (Graduate credit not allowed for students majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.) CHEM 452 Physical Chemistry - Quantum Chemistry (3) is an introductory physical chemistry course that covers quantum chemistry and atomic and molecular spectroscopy. If time permits other topics may include chemical kinetics, statistical thermodynamics, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Quantum chemistry topic covered are Schrodinger's equation, the particle in a box, in a ring, on a spherical surface, the free particle, barrier penetration, the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, electron spin and multi-electron atoms, molecular structure and symmetry will be covered. Spectroscopy topics are atomic spectra, and the microwave, infrared, and visible spectra of molecules. Chemical kinetics may include rate laws, mechanisms, chain reactions, polymerization reactions, catalysis, molecular reaction dynamics (collision theory and activated complex theory), and nature of potential energy surfaces for reactions.