Quantum chemistry

Abstract

Quantum chemistry provides the theoretical framework necessary to understand chemical bonding, electronic structure, and the spectroscopic properties of chemical systems. Quantum mechanics is a theory used to accurately describe the behavior of matter at the molecular, atomic, and subatomic scales. This discipline emerged in the early 20th century to address questions left unresolved by classical mechanics, such as the stability of the atom and the quantization of certain physical quantities. This handout has been prepared to support second-year undergraduate chemistry students (L2) in learning the fundamentals of quantum chemistry. This document combines theory, practical examples, and exercises to facilitate understanding and the application of the concepts covered. Students are expected to have certain mathematical foundations, such as operators and their properties, as well as some fundamental concepts, including the postulates of quantum chemistry, which are presented in the first chapter.