What is physical chemistry? ~ Knowledgehu92.info

What is physical chemistry?

physical chemistry

Physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves at the molecular and atomic level and how chemical reactions occur. Based on their analyzes, chemical physicists can develop new theories, for example, about how complex structures are formed. Physical chemists often work closely with materials scientists to research and develop potential uses of new materials.

Training for the real world

Physical chemistry has traditionally provided students with extensive training and allowed them to engage in various types of scientific activities. Many people trained as chemical physicists end up working as chemical analysts, where they work to understand the fundamental process associated with analytical methods, which allows them to improve and expand these methods.

For example, Matt Lynch, a leading researcher at the beauty department at Procter & Gamble, works in the field of physical / analytical chemistry, conducts applied and basic research on surface-active substances for product development. His work includes analyzing the assembly of molecules and determining how to measure and quantify it. Lynch says: “We collect molecules into crystals and solutions and see the way to measure this in terms of the arrangement of atoms and molecules; how they grow with the formation of large aggregates in solutions and crystals; and how these surfactant aggregates give the product various properties. ” Lynch notes that he uses diffraction, infrared, and microscopic techniques in his work. By developing better ways to measure and quantify components, he helps his company develop better products.

What do physical chemists do?

Physical chemists focus on understanding the physical properties of atoms and molecules, chemical reaction methods, and what these properties show. Their work includes the analysis of materials, the development of testing methods and characterization of the properties of materials, the development of theories about these properties and the identification of potential uses of materials. The use of sophisticated instruments and equipment has always been an important aspect of physical chemistry. Most physical chemistry laboratories are full of analytical instruments, which may include lasers, mass spectrometers, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron microscopes.
The discoveries of physicists and chemists are based on an understanding of chemical properties and a description of their behavior using theories of physics and mathematical calculations. Physical chemists predict the properties and reactions of chemicals, then test and refine these predictions. They use mathematical analysis and statistics on huge data sets, sometimes with millions of data points, to reveal hidden information about compounds, materials and processes. They can also perform simulations by developing mathematical equations that predict how compounds will react over time.
Recently, more and more chemical physicists are finding homes in new areas of materials science and molecular modeling, where their skills in analyzing and predicting the behavior of physical properties are finding exciting new uses. Combining the mathematical rigidity of chemistry with the practicality of latest materials and new applications, the sector of chemistry is expanding in new and exciting ways.