CHEM 3890 - Honors Physical Chemistry I

(PBS-AS, PHS-AS)

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2208 and CHEM 2080, or MATH 2130 or MATH 2310 or MATH 2220, or permission of instructor. Co-meets with CHEM 6890.

G. Ezra.

CHEM 3890-CHEM 3900 is a year-long sequence covering key topics in physical chemistry. CHEM 3890 introduces the use of mathematics and physics to investigate chemical systems. The fundamental principles of quantum mechanics are introduced and applied to understanding the structure and spectra of atoms and molecules. Specific topics include exact and approximate solutions to the Schrödinger equation, angular momentum, bonding and molecules, and spectroscopy. CHEM 3900 follows with an introduction to the behavior of ensembles of quantum particles (statistical mechanics), the laws of thermodynamics, and kinetic theory.