This note endeavors to
provide an overview of the physical chemistry concepts and applications that are
most relevant to biological sciences. Topics covered includes: First Law of
Thermodynamics, Second Law of Thermodynamics, Free Energy and Chemical
Equilibria, The Statistical Foundations of Biophysical Chemistry, Physical
Equilibria, Electrochemistry, The Motions of Biological Molecules, Kinetics:
Rates of Chemical Reactions, Enzyme Kinetics, Molecular Structure and
Interaction: Theory and Biomolecules, Optical Spectroscopy, Magnetic Resonance
and Climate Change.
This
text follows the mainstream core principles of physical chemistry in a way that
highlights statistical thermodynamics with its applications. Starting with the
thermodynamics of ideal gases, it leads to the kinetic theory of gases and
detailed molecular behavior descriptions. The text also enters the domain of
chemical kinetics, describing reaction rates as they relate to many variables.
The book explores surface adsorption and transport phenomena, aiding in the
illustration of the comprehension of molecules in the behavior at the interface
and in motion. The book on physical chemistry was created for higher class
students. The book is a very rigorous approach to physical chemistry with clear
explanations and practical insights into molecular dynamics and thermodynamic
principles.
Author(s): Alberto Otero de la Roza, University of Oviedo
This lecture note will introduce the major concepts of physical chemistry
based on thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, and kinetics. The topics include
the first law of thermodynamics, heat capacities, enthalpy, thermochemistry,
free energy, Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy; and an application of free energy
to phase transitions, mixtures, and equilibrium. Common equations and symbols
are summarized in detail, such that assimilation of knowledge is enhanced. For
students, this is a great source material for those taking courses in physical
chemistry-this book sets out clearly the structure of fundamental ideas and
solving techniques.