Book cover for Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

Donald A. McQuarrie, John D. Simon

ISBN #9780935702996

1st Edition

1,360 Questions

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24,137 Students Helped

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Summary

Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach systematically builds a molecular-level understanding of chemical behavior by weaving together fundamental principles from quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and kinetics. The text begins with the quantization of energy and atomic orbital theory before delving into approximation methods like the variational approach and perturbation theory for solving complex quantum systems. It then develops a robust connection between microscopic energy distributions and macroscopic thermodynamic properties through statistical thermodynamics, including key concepts like the Boltzmann factor, partition functions, and entropy. The latter sections bridge these ideas to chemical kinetics, exploring the derivation of the ideal gas law, reaction mechanisms, and rate laws to explain how molecular interactions govern the spontaneity and dynamics of chemical processes.

Chapters & Topics Covered

Chapter 1

The Dawn of the Quantum Theory

Chapter 2

The Classical Wave Equation

Chapter 3

The Schrodinger Equation and a Particle in a Box

Chapter 4

Some Postulates and General Principles of Quantum Mechanics

Chapter 5

The Harmonic Oscillator and the Rigid Rotator: Two Spectroscopic Models

Chapter 6

The Hydrogen Atom

Chapter 7

Approximation Methods

Chapter 8

Multielectron Atoms

Chapter 9

The Chemical Bond: Diatomic Molecules

Chapter 10

Bonding In Polyatomic Molecules

Chapter 11

Computational Quantum Chemistry

Chapter 12

Group Theory: The Exploitation of Symmetry

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Chapter 13

Molecular Spectroscopy

Chapter 14

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Chapter 15

Lasers, Laser Spectroscopy, and Photochemistry

Chapter 16

The Properties of Gases

Chapter 17

The Boltzmann Factor and Partition Functions

Chapter 18

Partition Functions and Ideal Gases

Chapter 19

The First Law of Thermodynamics

Chapter 20

Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Chapter 21

Entropy and the Third Law of Thermodynamics

Chapter 22

Helmholtz and Gibbs Energies

Chapter 23

Phase Equilibria

Chapter 24

Chemical Equilibrium

Chapter 25

The Kinetic Theory of Gases

Chapter 26

Chemical Kinetics 1: Rate Laws

Chapter 27

Chemical Kinetics II: Reaction Mechanisms

Chapter 28

Gas-Phase Reaction Dynamics

Chapter 29

Solids and Surface Chemistry

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Problem 1

The threshold wavelength for potassium metal is $564 \mathrm{nm}$. What is its work function? What is the kinetic energy of electrons ejected if radiation of wavelength $410 \mathrm{nm}$ is used?

Vishal Sharma

Vishal Sharma   Numerade Educator

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Problem 2

The vapor pressure of benzaldehyde is 400 torr at $154^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ and its normal boiling point is $179^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$. Estimate its molar enthalpy of vaporization. The experimental value is $42.50 \mathrm{kJ} \cdot \mathrm{mol}^{-1}$.

Prashant Bana

Prashant Bana   Numerade Educator

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Problem 3

A ground-state hydrogen atom absorbs a photon of light that has a wavelength of $97.2 \mathrm{nm}$ It then gives off a photon that has a wavelength of $486 \mathrm{nm}$. What is the final state of the hydrogen atom?

Dr.  Satish  Ingale

Dr. Satish Ingale   Numerade Educator

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Problem 4

Through what potential must a proton initially at rest fall so that its de Broglie wavelength is $1.0 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{m} ?$

Lottie Adams

Lottie Adams   Numerade Educator

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Problem 5

Calculate the radius of the sphere that encloses a $50 \%$ probability of finding a hydrogen 1s electron. Repeat the calculation for a $90 \%$ probability.

Isaac Huidobro

Isaac Huidobro   Numerade Educator

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Problem 6

Calculate (a) the wavelength and kinetic energy of an electron in a beam of electrons accelerated by a voltage increment of $100 \mathrm{V}$ and (b) the kinetic energy of an electron that has a de Broglie wavelength of $200 \mathrm{pm}\left(1 \text { picometer }=10^{-12} \mathrm{m}\right)$.

Ronald Prasad

Ronald Prasad   Numerade Educator

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