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

Prerequisites: CHEM 1140 or 1500 (grade of C- or better), MATH 1180 (grade of C- or better), and PHYS 1240 (grade of C- or better) or co-registration; MATH 3320 is highly recommended

Credits: 4 credits