Download Molecular Structure, Bonding, and Dynamics

CHM 341 - Physical Chemistry: Molecular Structure, Bonding, and Dynamics
Prof. Heather Jaeger, [email protected]
M W F 11:10-12:00, Packard Lab 466
Description
This course presents the quantum behavior of chemical properties and the corresponding development of standard
quantum mechanical procedures. It begins with the motivation to develop a quantum theory and an introduction to
the mathematical solutions of quantum systems. Theoretical methods will be applied to the dynamical properties of
molecules, including vibration and rotation, and applied to electronic states and transitions. The course includes an
in-depth look at spectroscopy, as a probe of the quantum nature of atoms and molecules.
Textbook
Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula, Physical Chemistry Thermodynamics, Structure, and Change, Volume 2: Quantum
Chemistry, 10th edition. (2014)
Course Objectives
• To establish a solid understanding of why quantum mechanics is needed to explain common non-classical
results of modern experiments.
• To establish a solid understanding of why quantum mechanics is needed to explain common non-classical
results of modern experiments.
• To become familiar with basic treatments of molecular translation, rotation and vibration from a quantum
perspective.
• To understand how the electronic structure of atoms is a consequence of quantum theory.
• To draw a connection between chemical bonding, atomic structure, and quantum principles.
• To visualize the connection between rotational, vibrational, electronic and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and quantum theory.
• To predict physical characteristics of molecules based upon spectroscopic information.
Office Hours
M W F 12:00 - 1:00 or by appointment.
TA contact
Zhe Wang
Office: Sinclair 315
E-mail: [email protected]
Point Distribution
• 25% Homework
• 45% Midterm exams
• 30% Final
Homework and exams
There will be three exams and a final. The following exam dates are tentatively scheduled and will be finalized one
week in advance:
• Monday, Sept. 26th
• Monday, Oct. 24th
• Monday, Nov. 28th
Homework assignments will be assigned each Monday. The following Monday, at the end of the lecture, the assignments need to be turned in to the TA. The TA will grade all problems for accuracy and a select few for procedure
and thoroughness. A 20% grade reduction will be given to late assignments.
Assistance for Disabilities
The Office of Academic Support Services in the Dean of Students office addresses requests for accommodations
for learning and/or physical disabilities for undergraduate and graduate students. For more information, I encourage
you to visit the web site at: http://www.lehigh.edu/%7Einacsup/disabilities/
Academic Integrity
Lehigh University is committed to diversity, inclusion and engagement [http://www.lehigh.edu/diversity]. That commitment is captured in The Principles of Our Equitable Community. The Principles have been endorsed across
Lehigh and by the Board of Trustees.