The Physical Chemists Toolbox

The working tools of the physical sciences, expertly organized into one volume Covering the basic concepts and working tools in the physical sciences, this reference is a unique, indispensable guide for students and researchers in chemistry, physics, and related disciplines. Everyone from novices to experienced researchers can turn to this book to find the essential equations, theories, and working tools needed to conduct and interpret contemporary research. Expertly organized, the book. Summarizes the core theories common to chemistry and physics Introduces topics and techniques that lay the foundations of instrumentation Discusses basic as well as advanced instrumentation and experimental methods Guides readers from crystals to nanoparticles to single molecules Readers gain access to not only the core concepts of the physical sciences, but also the underlying mathematics. Among the topics addressed are mechanics, special relativity, electricity and magnetism, quantum chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, symmetry, solid state physics, and electronics. The book also addresses energy and electrical sources, detectors, and algorithms. Moreover, it presents state–of–the–technology instrumentation and techniques needed to conduct successful experiments. Each chapter includes problems and exercises ranging from easy to difficult to help readers master core concepts and put them into practice. References lead to more specialized texts so that readers can explore individual topics in greater depth. The Physical Chemist′s Toolbox is recommended not only as a general reference, but also as a textbook for two–semester graduate courses in physical and analytical chemistry.

Foreword vii Chapter 1  Introduction: A Physical Chemists’s Toolbox 1 Chapter 2  Particles, Forces, and Mathematical Methods 5 Chapter 3  Quantum Mechanics 121 Chapter 4  Thermodynamics 244 Chapter 5  Statistical Mechanics 284 Chapter 6  Kinetics, Equilibria, and Electrochemistry 335 Chapter 7  Symmetry 387 Chapter 8  Solid–State Physics 443 Chapter 9  Electrical Circuits, Amplifiers, and Computers 503 Chapter 10  Sources, Sensors, and Detection Methods 571 Chapter 11  Instruments 647 Chapter 12  From Crystals to Molecules 781 Appendix 823 Index 903

ROBERT M. METZGER, PhD, is Professor of Chemistry in the Laboratory for Molecular Electronics at the University of Alabama. He is also affiliated with the university′s materials science program. Dr. Metzger′s research explores molecular electronics, unimolecular organic rectifiers, electrical conductivity in organic crystals, and carbon nanotubes. He has edited four books and published more than 200 scientific articles in leading journals such as Angewandte Chemie, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Nano Letters, and Chemical Reviews.

“In summary, the book is exactly as its titles says: an excellent reference resource or “toolbox” for those working in the field.  It will likely become a classic in its own right.”  ( Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals , 1 January 2013)