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 Understanding Physical Chemistry (Vol. -1) is published for the students of undergraduate honours course. Some major changes in the structure of the syllabus, as well as in the pattern of examination have been introduced from time to time during the recent period. Understanding Physical Chemistry (Vol. -1) is written with a completely different outlook and thought from the previous books of mine. This volume and Vol. - 2 will cover the coming syllabus of proposed four years degree course throughout the country.

In present days, students are not only engaged with their university curricula and syllabus but also take preparations for national level examinations such as N.E.T, G.A.T.E, J.A.M. for admission to post graduate courses to pursue for higher studies and research work after graduation. Therefore, it becomes difficult for them to concentrate for a longer period of time on any particular topic. Considering this, each chapter is presented in a lucid and methodical way so that a student can easily grasp the subject matter and the discussion is tailored to the needs of the undergraduate students. The book is dedicated to the legendary professor of physical chemistry, Late P.C. Rakshit whose constant inspiration led me to write this book. This is a tribute to him. The students following this book will face no difficulty in appearing for any examination.

Pedagogy

A brief summary is given point wise at the end of each chapter to facilitate revision of key concepts...

A large number of numerical problems are given in three phases but the problems are not alike and not monotonous, being of same type. In the first phase, early one- third of the problems have been fully solved mentioning the use of units at each step which most of the students usually do not follow. As a result, they are totally unaware of whether they are proceeding in the right direction. Unit balance of both sides of the equation at each step will determine the correct pathway of solving the problems. In the next phase, another one-third of the problems are given with hints or full solutions, depending on the merit of the problem with a trust that the students have learnt the utility of doing the problems with units. In the last phase, problems are given to the students for self-solving and thereby developing selfconfidence.

Theoretical questions are given in four stages:

• Stage-1: Multiple choice questions
• Stage-2:Very short type answer type questions where for answering the question only a word is sufficient.
• Stage-3:Short answer type questions where for answering the question only a sentence is enough and finally,
• Stage-4:Long answer type questions which should be thought provoking for the students.

As a teacher, I feel that when a chapter is presented in this structure, students will never get scared to appear for any examination. I am sure that this book will develop an affinity within the students for physical chemistry and many of them will pursue for higher studies in physical chemistry, out of love for the subject. Finally, if any teacher or student or any reader can guide us with suggestions for improving the material from the students’ perspective, I shall be delighted to consider the same.

-Hrishikesh Chatterjee

ABOUT THE BOOK

Understanding Physical Chemistry through Theories and Problems (Vol.1) is written for undergraduate students of Chemistry honours, following the latest syllabus as approved by UGC and the syllabus followed by neighboring countries. In the present system, a student gets nearly four months' time to cover the entire syllabus. Considering this aspect, the book is presented rationally so that a student can grasp the subject matter thoroughly within the scheduled period of time. The subject matter has been developed stepwise lucidly so that any student, while going through any chapter, will find the answers to all the queries without any difficulty. Thus the student will develop a great love towards the subject and a sense of satisfaction in understanding the topics. A large number of worked out examples are given at the end of each chapter, covering all aspects and topics. In each problem, a student will learn how to insert the magnitude of each parameter with proper unit in the problem and this will lead him or her to solve the problem correctly.

Key Features :

• Each article is developed very systematically and logically with complete explanation of the relevant matter so that any critical question on that topic can be answered.
• Sufficient number of numerical problems on the application of all the working formulae is given at the end of each chapter as worked out examples.
• Each example is included showing the application of proper unit of each term. This will help the students to understand at every step, whether the problem is done correctly or any mistake has crept in.
• At the end of each chapter theoretical questions are given in four stages and in each stage ten questions are set. Stage (A) - Multiple choice questions (MCQ) where only tick mark is needed for the correct answer; Stage (B) - Very short answer type questions are set for one word answer, Stage (C) Short answer type questions where answer requires a sentence or a few words and Stage (D) -.Containing descriptive and explanatory questions where the student has to answer the questions according to the ability of expression and understanding.