Chemical physics

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
For the journal, see Chemical Physics (journal).
Not to be confused with Physical chemistry.

Chemical physics is a branch of physics that studies chemical processes from a physical point of view. It focuses on understanding the physical properties and behavior of chemical systems, using principles from both physics and chemistry. This field investigates physicochemical phenomena using techniques from atomic and molecular physics and condensed matter physics.

The United States Department of Education defines chemical physics as "A program that focuses on the scientific study of structural phenomena combining the disciplines of physical chemistry and atomic/molecular physics. Includes instruction in heterogeneous structures, alignment and surface phenomena, quantum theory, mathematical physics, statistical and classical mechanics, chemical kinetics, and laser physics."[1]

Distinction between Chemical Physics and Physical Chemistry

While at the interface of physics and chemistry, chemical physics is distinct from

kinetics, and spectroscopy, and often links the macroscopic and microscopic chemical behavior. The distinction between the two fields still needs to be clarified as both fields share common grounds. Scientists often practice in both fields during their research, as there is significant overlap in the topics and techniques used. [2]Journals like PCCP (Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
) cover research in both areas, highlighting their overlap.

History

The term "chemical physics" in its modern sense was first used by the German scientist A. Eucken, who published "A Course in Chemical Physics" in 1930. Prior to this, in 1927, the publication "Electronic Chemistry" by V. N. Kondrat'ev, N. N. Semenov, and Iu. B. Khariton hinted at the meaning of "chemical physics" through its title. The Institute of Chemical Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR was established in 1931. In the United States, "The Journal of Chemical Physics" has been published since 1933.[3]

In 1964, the General Electric Foundation established the Irving Langmuir Award in Chemical Physics to honor outstanding achievements in the field of chemical physics. Named after the Nobel Laureate Irving Langmuir, the award recognizes significant contributions to understanding chemical phenomena through physics principles, impacting areas such as surface chemistry and quantum mechanics. [4]

What chemical physicists do

Chemical physicists investigate the structure and dynamics of

hydrogen bonding, electron transfer, the formation and dissolution of chemical bonds, chemical reactions, and the formation of nanoparticles
.

The research objectives in the theoretical aspect of chemical physics are to understand how chemical structures and reactions work at the quantum mechanical level. This field also aims to clarify how ions and radicals behave and react in the gas phase and to develop precise approximations that simplify the computation of the physics of chemical phenomena.

Chemical physicists are looking for answers to such questions as:

Journals

Main category: Chemical physics journals

See also

References

  1. ^ Detail for CIP Code 40.0508
  2. ISSN 0368-4075
    .
  3. ^ "Chemical Physics". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  4. ^ "Irving Langmuir Award in Chemical Physics". American Chemical Society. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  5. ISSN 1530-6984
    .
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