Physical Chemistry and Its Biological Applications

Book excerpt: Physical Chemistry and Its Biological Applications presents the basic principles of physical chemistry and shows how the methods of physical chemistry are being applied to increase understanding of living systems. Chapters 1 and 2 of the book discuss states of matter and solutions of nonelectrolytes. Chapters 3 to 5 examine laws in thermodynamics and solutions of electrolytes. Chapters 6 to 8 look at acid-base equilibria and the link between electromagnetic radiation and the structure of atoms. Chapters 9 to 11 cover different types of bonding, the rates of chemical reactions, and the process of adsorption. Chapters 12 to 14 present molecular aggregates, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and photochemistry, and radiation. This book is useful to biological scientists for self-study and reference. With modest additions of mathematical material by the teacher, the book should also be suitable for a full-year major's course in physical chemistry.