Preparing For Your Acs Examination in Physical Chemistry

In this new textbook on physical chemistry, fundamentals are introduced simply yet in more depth than is common. Topics are arranged in a progressive pattern, with simpler theory early and more complicated theory later. General principles are induced from key experimental results. Some mathematical background is supplied where it would be helpful.

This book is based on a one-semester course for advanced undergraduates specializing in physical chemistry. I am aware that the mathematical training of most science majors is more heavily weighted towards analysis – typ- ally calculus and differential equations – than towards algebra. But it remains my conviction that the basic ideas and applications of group theory are not only vital, but not dif?cult to learn, even though a formal mathematical setting with emphasis on rigor and completeness is not the place where most chemists would feel most comfortable in learning them.