Radiation chemistry fundamental physical interactions

Theoretical chemistry has two problems that remain unsolved in terms of fundamental quantum theory the physics of chemical interaction and the theoretical basis of molecular structure. The two problems are related but commonly approached from different points of view. The molecular-structure problem has been analyzed particularly well and eloquent arguments have been advanced to show that the classical idea of molecular shape cannot be accommodated within the Hilbert-space formulation of quantum theory [161, 2, 162, 163]. As a corollary it follows that the idea of a chemical bond, with its intimate link to molecular structure, is likewise unidentified within the quantum context [164]. In essence, the problem concerns the classical features of a rigid three-dimensional arrangement of atomic nuclei in a molecule. There is no obvious way to reconcile such a classical shape with the probability densities expected to emerge from the solution of a molecular Hamiltonian problem. The complete molecular eigenstate is spherically symmetrical [165] and resists reduction to lower symmetry, even in the presence of a radiation field. 

The Springer Series on Atomic, Optical, and Plasma Physics covers in a comprehensive manner theory and experiment in the entire field of atoms and molecules and their interaction with electromagnetic radiation. Books in the series provide a rich source of new ideas and techniques with wide applications in fields such as chemistry, materials science, astrophysics, surface science, plasma technology, advanced optics, aeronomy, and engineering. Laser physics is a particular connecting theme that has provided much of the continuing impetus for new developments in the field. The purpose of the series is to cover the gap between standard undergraduate textbooks and the research literature with emphasis on the fundamental ideas, methods, techniques, and results in the field. 

There are probably several reasons why electrochemical methods are not as popular as chromatographic or optical methods. One is that electrochemistry and electrochemical methods are not emphasized in typical college curricula. One can cite the nearly universal disappearance of fundamental electrochemistry from beginning general and physical-chemistry courses, whereas the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter and the energy levels concerned is covered in many first-year courses. Electrochemical theory is really no more complex or abstruse, but probably not so well unified at present, as spectrochemical theory. 

Quantum mechanics employs several mathematical tools and physical concepts that may be unfamiliar. Some of these concepts deal with radiation rather than matter because the interaction between matter and radiation is critical to many applications of physical chemistry. To smooth the way a bit before we discuss quantum mechanics, let s first briefly summarize the fundamental properties of matter and radiation as viewed from a classical perspective. 

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