It
describes in detail the role of theory in chemistry. Key concepts covered
include chemical kinetics, oxidation numbers, electronegativity, and application
of various theoretical methods like quantum dynamics and classical Newtonian
dynamics. This note also underlines the importance of an interface between the
laboratory and theory inasmuch as experimental measurements interact with the
theoretical models. It discusses advanced topics such as mixed classical and
quantum dynamics, the Car-Parrinello method, and their applications to large
biomolecules and polymers, giving insight into the scope and methods used in
modern theoretical chemistry.
This lecture note highlights molecular mechanics as a
computational chemistry approach to the modeling of molecular systems. The
fundamental concepts included are: force fields, stretching, bending, and
torsional energies. It explains the different components of energy, including
van der Waals interactions and electrostatic forces, and goes further to
describe factors through which they were used in predicting molecular behavior.
Sherrill has also covered challenges in fitting atomic charges and how to
parameterize force fields. Consequently, there is an in-depth overview of the
computational methods used for simulating molecular structures and reactions.
This is an all-inclusive PDF note on an introduction to quantum mechanics
in theoretical chemistry. Major concepts introduced are wave mechanics, quantum
dynamics, and angular momentum. The material under study includes approximation
methods and symmetry in quantum mechanics, which forms the key for molecular
behavior. The theory of chemical bonding, scattering theory, and relativistic
quantum mechanics were also considered. This note provides students with a
comprehensive exposure to the role that quantum mechanics plays in the
explanation of chemical phenomena and provides a foundation for more
sophisticated theoretical studies in chemistry.