A physical chemist is a scientist who specializes in physical chemistry, a branch of chemistry that studies chemical phenomena in the context of physical laws. Such chemists are interested in understanding the physical mechanisms and causes of chemical phenomena such as reactions and energy distribution. Thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, the relationship between intermolecular forces and physical characteristics, and electrical conductivity are all areas of chemistry where physical chemistry methods are used. Physical chemists can work in a variety of settings, including academia, industry, and research. To advance in any of these fields, you’ll need an advanced graduate degree.
A physical chemist can study chemical phenomena at two different but related levels: the macroscopic level, which focuses on the emergent properties of large groups of molecules, or the molecular level, which focuses on how individual molecules behave and how small groups of molecules interact with one another. Explaining the relationships between molecular characteristics and macroscopic properties is a common goal in physical chemistry. Surface tension is a good example of this — because of the cohesive properties of water molecules, some insects, for example, can walk on the water’s surface.
Thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and chemical kinetics are the three subfields of physical chemistry that are most commonly studied. The movement and exchange of energy in chemical phenomena, particularly chemical reactions, is of particular interest to a physical chemist studying thermodynamics. Quantum mechanics is the study of the structure of atoms and molecules, and it can explain why certain reactions take place the way they do. Chemical kinetics is likely to be studied by a physical chemist who is interested in studying and manipulating the rates of chemical reactions. Because there is a great deal of overlap between different subfields in chemistry, it is unusual for an individual to study only one of these areas to the exclusion of all others.
Physical chemists are employed by a variety of organizations. At universities or research institutes, for example, these professionals can teach as well as conduct research. Physical chemists can often find work in industry, as companies that profit from chemical processes are always looking for ways to improve their processes. These scientists are also employed by a number of government and military research institutions. A physical chemist can work on a wide range of projects, including energy efficiency, thermodynamically stable computer parts, and speeding up industrial chemical processes.