Chemical Kinetics, Photochemistry, and Surface Adsorption Theory

Understanding how chemical reactions proceed over time and how molecules interact with surfaces are foundational challenges in physical chemistry. This course provides a deep theoretical grounding in these critical areas. By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze complex reaction mechanisms, determine rate laws from experimental data, apply fundamental photophysical principles, and model adsorption using classical isotherm theories. What you'll learn: * Understand the integrated rate laws and methods for determining reaction order for simple and complex reactions. * Analyze complex mechanisms, including parallel, consecutive, and chain reactions using the steady-state approximation. * Apply fundamental photophysical principles using Jablonski diagrams and calculate photochemical quantum yields. * Master classical adsorption theories, including the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms for modeling surface coverage. * Examine advanced surface science concepts, including the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) theory for multilayer adsorption analysis. The course begins with foundational definitions and mathematical derivations in kinetics, progressing through photochemistry and finally to the theoretical models of surface adsorption. All concepts are explained clearly through written explanations and mathematical examples. This course is designed for beginners in physical chemistry, students preparing for foundational academic exams, or professionals needing a theoretical refresher. No prior advanced knowledge is required, only a basic understanding of calculus. Start building your essential physical chemistry knowledge today.