Elementary physical chemistry

This book is designed for a one-semester course, for undergraduates, not necessarily chemistry majors, who need to know something about physical chemistry. The emphasis is not on mathematical rigor, but subtleties and conceptual difficulties are not hidden. It covers the essential topics in physical chemistry, including the state of matter, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, phase and chemical equilibria, introduction to quantum theory, and molecular spectroscopy.

1. State of matter. Properties of gases. 1.1. State of matter. 1.2. Description of some states of matter. 1.3. Units. 1.4. Ideal or perfect gas law. 1.5. Evaluation of the gas constant, R. 1.6. Mixtures of gases. 1.7. The kinetic theory of gases. 1.8. Molecular collisions. 1.9. Diffusion of gases. Graham's Law. 1.10. Molecular Basis of Graham's Law. 1.11. Real gases -- 2. The first law of thermodynamics. 2.1. Classification. 2.2. System and surrounding. 2.3. Work and heat. 2.4. Measurement of work. 2.5. Reversible process. 2.6. Measurement of heat. 2.7. Internal energy. 2.8. Exact and inexact differentials. 2.9. Relation of [symbol]U to qv (q at constant volume). 2.10. Heat capacity. 2.11. Enthalpy changes in chemical reactions. 2.12. Standard enthalpy. 2.13. Variation of enthalpy with temperature -- 3. The second law of thermodynamics. 3.1. Statements of the second law. 3.2. Carnot cycle. 3.3. Engine efficiency. 3.4. Determination of entropy -- 4. The third law of thermodynamics. 4.1. Standard entropy. 4.2. Molecular interpretation of entropy. 4.3. The surroundings. 4.4. The entropy of the surroundings -- 5. The free energy functions. 5.1. The Gibbs free energy. 5.2. Free energy …