Physical Chemistry is a branch within chemistry that studies matter’s behavior at the molecular or anatomic level. It also covers the study of properties at different scales.
Physical chemistry is different than other branches of chemistry in that it uses principles and concepts from physics for understanding chemical systems and reactions. These are the scales this branch deals with.
The Large-Scale Level
The macroscopic dimension refers to all substances large enough that they can be seen with the naked eye. The macroscopic scale deals with important quantities such as:
– Melting point and boiling point
– The coefficient for linear thermal expansion
– Latent heat for vaporization
– Enthalpy for Fusion
Take the example of water molecules. The macroscopic dimension refers to their physical states (solid, liquid or gaseous), but not its chemistry.
The Very Small Scale
The microscopic spectrum deals with the properties of substances that are only visible to the human eye using optical instruments, such microscopes.
This scale applies to the study and analysis of crystal structures and shapes. The behaviour of large sections in crystals is affected by their structure, which can be used to make bridges or planes.
The Atomic Scale
– The properties that matter has at the atomic stage can vary from one element or another.
– Some elements have similar properties, so they are combined in the periodic table.
– Atomic Mass and Atomic Number are just two examples of properties of matter that can be studied in physical chemicals at the subatomic scale.
– The atomic radius of an element can be used as a measurement of the bond length between two elements in a molecule.
At a level smaller than atoms
– Subatomic particle study is the study of particles smaller in size than atoms.
– This scale allows subatomic particles to be called energy or waves due to their dual nature.
– Subatomic particles are a key component of advanced physical chemistry research.
These particles can also be used in nuclear chemistry.
Physical Chemistry, as its name implies, employs theories, principles, and techniques associated with physics to explain certain aspects. It is obvious that pressure and temperature have an effect at the microscopic as well as the microscopic scales, while their effects are smaller at the subatomic and atomic levels.
Branches in Physical Chemistry
Physical chemistry encompasses the fundamental concepts of physics. They describe how physics can apply to chemical problems. These problems are covered by some branches of physical Chemistry.
Spectroscopy is a branch in physical chemistry that studies electromagnetic radiation and the interaction of matter with it.
Quantum Chemistry studies the strength, shapes and movement of chemical bonds.
Chemical thermodynamics studies the spontaneity and properties of chemical mixtures.
Chemical kinetics refers to the feasibility of chemical reactions and the rate they occur.
It is clear from the above-mentioned concepts that physical chemistry can be described as a wide variety of chemistry. To make it more accessible, physics has been separated into various disciplines that allow for the application of physics to specific aspects.
Similar Topics
– Analysis of solutions and solubility
– Static electric
– The ideal law of gas and related theories
– Radioactive decay
X-ray crystallography is a technique used to examine the structures of molecules.
This article provides an overview of the field. Register with BYJU’S for more information and to the mobile app to your smartphone.
