CHEM 3550 - Physical Chemistry I

Goals: To introduce and develop fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics and to further develop problem-solving techniques using advanced mathematical tools.

Content: The thermodynamics section introduces students to the study of the properties of gases, partition functions, a statistical foundation of thermodynamics, and the three laws of thermodynamics. The quantum mechanics section introduces the wave equation, probability, particle-in-a-box, basic rigid rotator and harmonic oscillator models for spectroscopy, and the hydrogen atom.

Taught: Annually, fall.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1140 or CHEM 1500 (C- grade or better), MATH 1180, and PHYS 1240 or co-registration

Credits: 4