The manner in which physics can be applied to explain or solve chemical problems make up the important concepts of physical chemistry. Some of the branches of physical chemistry that study these problems are described below.
- The interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation is studied in the branch of physical chemistry known as spectroscopy.
- The strength and shapes of chemical bonds and the manner in which the nuclei of atoms move are studied in quantum chemistry.
- The spontaneity of a chemical reaction and the properties of chemical mixtures are studied in chemical thermodynamics.
- Chemical kinetics deals with the feasibility and rate of chemical reactions, along with many other factors that affect the rate of reaction such as the presence of a catalyst or the concentration of reactants.
It can be understood from the concepts discussed above that physical chemistry is a very diverse branch of chemistry that has been split into several disciplines in order to employ physics in the study of specific aspects of chemistry.