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Special Topics in Physical Chemistry Molecular Spectroscopy
Instructors: Sunhee Choi and Jim Larrabee Course Description This course might be called "Applied Quantum Mechanics and Group Theory". Quantum mechanics is the theoretical basis of molecular spectroscopy and group theory helps to simplify the quantum theory for complex molecules. We will do five spectroscopy experiments which will cover the range of electromagnetic radiation from far-IR to the vacuum ultraviolet. The theory and analysis techniques that we will use are based mostly on material you have had in CH351; therefore, the course will not have a lecture, but you will have assigned reading which will help you with your experiments and laboratory reports. The objective of this course is to intensify and to widen the basic knowledge of quantum chemistry and statistical thermodynamics you learned in CH351 by studying 9 topics in depth. In each topic we will obtain our own spectra by using our own instruments and analyze them to obtain the structural information by means of quantum theory and group theory. In one topic we will use the spectroscopic data to obtain thermodynamic functions by means of statistical mechanics. You will not have class lecture, but you will have assigned reading, tutorial help in getting spectra in the lab and the data analysis. Topics
Reports You should summarize the theory, the method of analysis, the data and the results in the report. the report will be more like homework papers than ACS-style laboratory report. There will be many calculations and equations: you can do these in neat and legible handwriting. No late reports will be accepted! Due Dates
Report 1: March 2, 1990 Final Exam: May 11, 1990, 1:15-4:15 PM Reading 1. G.M. Barrow, "Molecular Spectroscopy" This would be our textbook, but it is out of print so we must share the library copy. 2. D.P. Shoemaker, G.W. Garland and J.W. Nibler, "Experimental Physical Chemistry" 3. D.T. Sawyer, W.R. Heineman and J.M. Beebe, "Chemistry Experiments for Instrumental Methods" 4. G. Herzberg, "Spectra of Diatomic Molecules", "Infrared and Raman Spectra" and "Electronic Spectra of Polyatomic Molecules" Editorial remark: This spectroscopy "trilogy" by Herzberg are the best monographs ever written on the subject and are probably the best that will ever be written on the subject. Even though this series was written in the late 1930's, the data, theory and interpretations are still accurate and complete. This series is still print and a "must have" for all spectroscopists.
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