Preface
Elementary Physical Chemistry (For Minor and Generic courses) is published in one
volume for all the semesters of Three-year B.Sc. (Minor) and B.Sc. (Generic) courses.
The book is a result of my long teaching experience of forty years at the undergraduate (Honors)
and post-graduate levels at RAMAKRISHNA MISSION RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE,
NARENDRAPUR, WEST BENGAL. My interaction with the students and their reciprocal
interaction helped me a lot to write this book lucidly, explaining each step of the theoretical matter
where students may face difficulty during study. Moreover, I have tried my level best to avoid
unnecessary portions so that students within these three years may have time to prepare for
examinations like IIT Jam, NET, GATE, CSIR and other exams for higher studies or service.
After the theoretical discussion of each chapter, a large number of numerical problems have been
solved as worked-out examples, mentioning the formulae and using units of all the terms for a
better understanding of theory and the chemistry associated with the problems. For the self-assessment of the students, quite a large number of numerical problems have been set in the
exercise. A large number of MCQS, Short questions, descriptive and explanatory questions are
given at the end of each chapter so that the students can self-check their level of understanding of
the subject and this will help them in future examinations for higher studies. While writing the
book, I always kept in mind the advice of the legendary professor of physical chemistry, late Dr.
(Prof) P. C. Rakshit who always encouraged and advised me to write a student-friendly Physical
Chemistry book not only for information but also for understanding, in a simple language and lucid
manner so that the students may develop an interest in physical chemistry. I followed Prof. Rakshit’s
advice throughout the book and hope that students will not find any difficulty in understanding the
course matter of the subject while preparing for the examinations. I believe this book will be of lot
of help for the students. I expect advice from any well-wishers regarding upgrading and betterment
of the book. Students finding any difficulty may contact me if needed, through the publisher.
-Hrishikesh Chatterjee
ABOUT THE BOOK
This textbook is written in one volume strictly to cover the whole semester-based undergraduate syllabi of
Indian universities following the new syllabus for B.Sc. (minor) and B.Sc. (generic) courses and also
universities of neighbouring countries, maintaining the lucidity of expression and explanation. Emphasis has
been given to solving both theoretical questions and numerical problems based on the topics discussed. The
book contains chapters on kinetic theory; gaseous state; liquid state( surface tension and viscosity); solid
state; thermodynamics (I); thermochemistry; thermodynamics( Il); open system of variable composition;
colligative properties; ionic equilibrium; chemical equilibrium; chemical kinetics; catalytic reactions and
enzyme catalysis; conductance; electrochemical cells; spectroscopy and quantum mechanics. . The book will be
compatible with the likings of the students for thorough, as well as easy understanding of the subject.
Key Features :
- Each chapter is followed by principle-based worked-out numerical problems
on each topic and relevant short questions.
- Large numbers of theory-based problems are given in the exercise of each
chapter for the students to ensure their understanding of the subject. They may consult the hints or the
solutions to the problems given at the end of the exercises in case of difficulty in solving the
problems.
- Theoretical questions are given at the end of the chapters, with proper
hints.