physical chemistry

Save This Word!

noun

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

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of physical chemistry

First recorded in 1890–95

Words nearby physical chemistry

physic, physical, physical anthropology, physical capital, physical change, physical chemistry, physical education, physical examination, physical geography, physical handicap, physicalism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use physical chemistry in a sentence

Finally the methods of physics have invaded a new domain, that of chemistry; physical chemistry is born.
The Foundations of Science: Science and Hypothesis, The Value of Science, Science and Method|Henri Poincar
A good course in physical chemistry postulates lectures, laboratory work, and recitations.
College Teaching|Paul Klapper
At the same time it would be a mistake to teach physical chemistry without laboratory practice.
College Teaching|Paul Klapper
Indeed, laboratory practice is the very life of physical chemistry, and the more of such work we can have, the better.
College Teaching|Paul Klapper

Several journals are published specially to deal with physical chemistry, of which electrochemistry forms an important part.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for physical chemistry

physical chemistry

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for physical chemistry

physical chemistry

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.