Physical Chemistry Lectures: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy

Physical chemistry centers on the development of mathematical models to understand and predict chemical properties and reactivity. At its core, physical chemistry is composed of fundamental ideas and theories that explain general behavior qualitatively, as well as the ability to describe specific chemical systems in an accurate, quantitative manner.These quantum mechanics and spectroscopy lecture notes are addressed to undergraduate students majoring in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Beyond the main topics of quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and bonding, these lectures describe the history of quantum mechanics, develop needed mathematics, refer to modern applications, and introduce computational chemistry concepts.The pedagogical philosophy behind these lectures is to present ideas through pictures, words, and equations. Intuitive understanding is developed with diagrams, examples, and explanations. Mathematical definitions and derivations are provided with details that make the material as broadly accessible as possible.Specific topics include:Historical Background of Quantum MechanicsClassical Wave Equation ConceptsSchrodinger Equation and Particle in a BoxPostulates of Quantum MechanicsHarmonic Oscillator and Vibrational SpectroscopyRigid Rotor and Rotational SpectroscopyAngular Momentum and Hydrogen AtomApproximate MethodsMulti-Electron AtomsMolecular Orbital Theory Read more