Unlike most physical chemistry texts, modern physical chemistry research is based on quantum mechanics, and this state-of-the-art approach is the one adopted by McQuarrie and Simon. Quantum theory is introduced at the outset, and the molecular viewpoint of quantum chemistry informs the authors' investigation of physical chemistry's other main topic ares - thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. The book also includes examples of applications in NMR spectroscopy, lasers, photochemistry, gas-reaction dynamics and other current research topics. "At last there is a book written from a modern perspective! A real winner!" George C. Fields, Lake Forest College
The Dawn of Quantum Theory Classical Wave Equation Schrodinger Equation Principles of Quantum Mechanics Harmonic Oscillator and Rigid Rotator Hydrogen Atom Approximation Methods Multielectron Atoms Chemical Bond Bonding in Polyatomic Molecules Computational Quantum Chemistry Group Theory Molecular Spectroscopy NMR Spectroscopy Lasers, Laser Spectroscopy, and Photochemistry Properties of Gases Boltzmann Factor and Partition Functions Partial Functions and Ideal Gases First Law of Thermodynamics Entropy and the Second Law Entropy and the Third Law Helmholtz and Gibbs Energies Phase Equilibria Chemical Equilibrium Kinetic Theory of Gases Chemical Kinetics: Rate Laws Chemical Kinetics: Reaction Mechanisms Gas-Phase Reaction Dynamics Solids and Surface Chemistry