Physical Chemistry and Theoretical Chemistry

Physical chemists study the physical properties of atoms and molecules, as well as the mechanisms behind chemical processes and what these properties disclose. Physical chemistry is a discipline of chemistry that deals with material interactions and changes. Unlike other divisions, it focuses on the physics principles that underpin all chemical interactions (e.g., gas laws), with the goal of quantifying, correlating, and explaining response quantitative features. Physical chemistry is a great field for chemists who are interested in how things work at the atomic level and appreciate working with lab equipment and machines.

The study of theoretical chemistry uses quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, and statistical mechanics to explain the structures and dynamics of chemical systems, as well as to correlate, interpret, and forecast their thermodynamic and kinetic properties. The study of chemical structure and the study of chemical dynamics are generally divided in modern theoretical chemistry.