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 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.
This is a very broad textbook since it focuses on teaching various
topics in physical chemistry, including chemical thermodynamics and equilibrium.
It goes through the concepts involved in entropy, phase equilibrium, ionic
equilibrium, and surface chemistry. These all help towards setting a good basis
for physical principles that drive chemical reaction. The book also covers
electrochemistry with a very detailed look at electrochemical processes and
their applications. The text can also be considered a master resource for
undergraduates and graduate students studying chemistry. It has clearly
explained the fundamental ideas of physical chemistry.