Andrew Cooksy’s clear teaching voice help students connect immediately with the subject matter while defusing some of their initial trepidation about physical chemistry. Through lively narrative and meticulous explanations of mathematical derivations, Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Interactions engages students while fostering a sincere appreciation for the interrelationship between the theoretical and mathematical reasoning that underlies the study of physical chemistry. The author’s engaging presentation style and careful explanations make even the most sophisticated concepts and mathematical details clear and comprehensible.
About the Author
Andrew Cooksy is a chemistry professor at San Diego State University, where he teaches courses in physical and general chemistry and carries out research on the spectroscopy, kinetics, and computational chemistry of reactive intermediates in combustion and interstellar processes. He attended the Washington, D.C. public schools before receiving his undergraduate degree in chemistry and physics from Harvard College and his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley.
Features
FLEXIBLE ORGANIZATION ACCOMMODATES THE CONTENT NEEDS AND TEACHING STYLES OF EACH SEMESTER/QUARTER SEQUENCE.
Separation of Quantum Chemistry and Thermodynamics into distinct volumes provides the utmost in flexibility, allowing instructors to lead with their choice of Quantum-first or Thermo-first coverage.
For students in need of a review at the start of the term/quarter, Chapter A: “Tools of Math and Physics” summarizes the prerequisite mathematics and physics assumed by the rest of the text. While the text reminds the student of specific equations from basic math and physics as needed, Chapter A underscores the fundamental nature of the course material by presenting at the outset the essential math and physics principles from which we construct chemical theory.
Reflective of popular lecture strategies, chapter opening and closing features ground each topic within the larger framework of physical chemistry and help students stay oriented as they deepen their understanding.
Opening features including a “Visual Roadmap” and “Context: Where Are We Now” show readers where they are within the text and relative to other physical chemistry topics.
“Goal: Why Are We Here?” and “Learning Objectives” features prepare students for the work ahead and outline the skills students should expect to acquire from their study of the chapter.
The concluding “Where Do We Go From Here” section at the end of each chapter reinforces student orientation and illuminates the intrinsic connection between concepts..
Table Content
Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Interactions
A Introduction: Tools from Math and Physics
A.1 Mathematics
A.2 Classical physics
I Atomic Structure
1 Classical and Quantum Mechanics
1.1 Introduction to the Text
1.2 The Classical World
1.3 The Quantum World
1.4 One-Electron Atoms
1.5 Merging the Classical and Quantum Worlds
2 The Schrödinger Equation
2.1 Mathematical Tools of Quantum Mechanics
2.2 Fundamental Examples
3 One-Electron Atoms
3.1 Solving the One-Electron Atom Schrödinger Equation
3.2 The One-Electron Atom Orbital Wavefunctions
3.3 Electric Dipole Interactions
3.4 Magnetic Dipole Interactions
4 Many-Electron Atoms
4.1 Many-Electron Spatial Wavefunctions
4.2 Approximate Solution to the Schrodinger Equation
4.3 Spin Wavefunctions and Symmetrization
4.4 Vector Model of the Many-Electron Atom
4.5 Periodicity of the Elements
4.6 Atomic Structure: The Key to Chemistry
II Molecular Structure
5 Chemical Bonds
5.1 The Molecular Hamiltonian
5.2 The Molecular Wavefunction
5.3 Covalent Bonds in Polyatomic Molecules
5.4 Non-Covalent Bonds
5.5 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
6 Molecular Symmetry
6.1 Group Theory
6.2 Symmetry Representations for Wavefunctions
6.3 Selection Rules
6.4 Selected Applications
7 Electronic States of Molecules
7.1 Molecular Orbital Configurations
7.2 Electronic States
7.3 Computational Methods for Molecules
7.4 Energetic Processes
8 Vibrational States of Molecules
8.1 The Vibrational Schrödinger Equation
8.2 Vibrational Energy Levels in Diatomics
8.3 Vibrations in Polyatomics
8.4 Spectroscopy of Vibrational States
9 Rotational States of Molecules
9.1 Rotations in Diatomics
9.2 Rotations in Polyatomics
9.3 Spectroscopy of Rotational States
III Molecular Interactions
10 Intermolecular Forces
10.1 Intermolecular Potential Energy
10.2 Molecular Collisions
11 Nanoscale Chemical Structure
11.1 The Nano Scale
11.2 Clusters
11.3 Macromolecules
12 The Structure of Liquids
12.1 The Qualitative Nature of Liquids
12.2 Weakly Bonded Pure Liquids
12.3 Solvation
13 The Structure of Solids
13.1 Amorphous Solids, Polymers, and Crystals
13.2 Symmetry in Crystals
13.3 Bonding Mechanisms and Properties of Crystals
13.4 Wavefunctions and Energies of Solids
