This note endeavors to
provide an overview of the physical chemistry concepts and applications that are
most relevant to biological sciences. Topics covered includes: First Law of
Thermodynamics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Free Energy and Chemical
Equilibria, The Statistical Foundations of Biophysical Chemistry, Physical
Equilibria, Electrochemistry, The Motions of Biological Molecules, Kinetics:
Rates of Chemical Reactions, Enzyme Kinetics, Molecular Structure and
Interaction: Theory and Biomolecules, Optical Spectroscopy, Magnetic Resonance
and Climate Change.
This textbook
takes a practical approach to physical chemistry by providing an application of
the fundamental principles in real settings. The first topics in this textbook
include the first and second laws of thermodynamics, Gibbs free energy, phase
equilibria, chemical equilibrium, electrochemical principles, quantum chemistry,
and statistical mechanics. It dwells on three-dimensional systems and the
time-dependent Schrödinger equation in which quite complex chemical dynamics can
be explained in further detail. It is especially for advanced learners and helps
them achieve theoretical knowledge as well as practical insights into the
behavior of chemical systems and their interactions in various environments.
This lecture note will introduce the major concepts of physical chemistry
based on thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, and kinetics. The topics include
the first law of thermodynamics, heat capacities, enthalpy, thermochemistry,
free energy, Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy; and an application of free energy
to phase transitions, mixtures, and equilibrium. Common equations and symbols
are summarized in detail, such that assimilation of knowledge is enhanced. For
students, this is a great source material for those taking courses in physical
chemistry-this book sets out clearly the structure of fundamental ideas and
solving techniques.