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.
Atkin's Physical
Chemistry is one of the most informative and most highly appreciated textbooks
in the field of physical chemistry, covering topics from equilibrium through
properties of gases to thermodynamic laws and physical transformations of
materials. The book also touches on such key matters as quantum theory, atomic
structure, molecular symmetry, and molecular spectroscopy. Advanced subjects are
also covered namely, statistical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and
molecular reaction dynamics. The book is suited for students and researchers
wishing to delve deeper into the principles that govern chemical behavior at the
molecular level, explained clearly and in depth.
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.