physical chemistry

American  

noun

1. the branch of chemistry dealing with the relations between the physical properties of substances and their chemical composition and transformations.

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physical chemistry British  

noun

1. the branch of chemistry concerned with the way in which the physical properties of substances depend on and influence their chemical structure, properties, and reactions

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physical chemistry Scientific  

1. The branch of chemistry that is concerned with the physical structure of chemical compounds, the amount of energy they have, the way they react with other compounds, and the bonds that hold their atoms together.

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Etymology

Origin of physical chemistry

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

"At its core, mechanical engineering requires an understanding of how something -- anything -- works. This project integrates physical chemistry, glass physics, thermomechanics, and cryobiology," said Powell-Palm.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

After earning degrees in engineering and the physical chemistry of metallurgy, he co-founded BYD along with his cousin in Shenzhen in 1995.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2023

I first learned of this area of research as a graduate student in physical chemistry.

From Salon • Oct. 10, 2023

Suddenly, new frontiers in physical chemistry and nanotechnology were thrown open.

From Washington Post • Jul. 6, 2022

But because of the vast quantities of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the sea could not be ordinary water; physical chemistry required carbonated water.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan