Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry 410
Physical Chemistry
Last update for Chem 410B, Spring 2025
Chem 410B Review materials
The coverage of material changes from year to year, so these exams are offered without any guarantees that they are relevant to the corresponding exam this term. Although using these exams as part of your preparation should be fine, please do not assume that studying from these exams is sufficient preparation for the exams this semester.
| term | Exam 1 | Exam 2 | Exam 3 | Exam 4 | Exam 5 | Exam 6 | Final Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2008 | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | |
| Spring 2009 | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | |
| Spring 2012 | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | |
| Fall 2016 | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam and solutions | Exam Part 1 and solutions Exam Part 2 and solutions |
Chem 410B textbook corrections:
| CHAPTER | PAGE | LOCATION | CHANGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 63 | above Eq. 2.1 | quantization is measurable when domain becomes COMPARABLE TO de Broglie wavelength (not "much greater than") |
| 3 | 99 | Eq. 3.8 | delete extra factor of "s" and add subscript "s" in first expression: integrand should be "Ps(s) ds" instead of "P(s) s ds" |
| 3 | 129 | above Eq 3.62 | factor of 2 π kB3 T3 in denominator should be 23 π kB3 T3 (in other words, cube the 2) |
| 13 | 471 | Eq. 13.40 | insert minus sign in exponential; to get "e-kt" |
Research Opportunities
Chem 497/498 at SDSU
All Chem and Biochem majors at SDSU (except those obtaining the BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences) are required to take at least one unit of Chem 498. Chemical Physics majors must take at least 3 units of research, but can choose among Chem 497, Chem 498, Phys 498A, and Phys 498B. The year you take Chem 410 is a good year to start, because if you find you like research, you'll want a chance to spend more than just one semester on it. If you don't know how to get started, feel free to ask me about it during office hours or by email. I'm familiar with all of the research programs in our department to some degree, and can help you get started on finding a group.
NSF REU Programs in Chemistry
The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs at universities all over the country. These can be excellent opportuninties to investigate a research field that you're interested in, expecially those that we don't cover here at SDSU. Applications are normally due in Jan-Feb, although some programs may have later windows or may be willing to consider late applicants if their slots are not all taken. A list of the programs in chemistry and links to their websites can be found at the NSF chemistry REU web site.