Written to provide supplemental and mathematically challenging topics for the advanced lower-division undergraduate chemistry course, or the non-major. junior-level physical chemistry course, The Physical Basis of Chemistry offers students an opportunity to explore quantum mechanics, the Boltzmann distribution, and spectroscopy. Posed and answered are questions concerning everyday phenomena: How can two discharging shotguns and two stereo speakers be used to contrast particles and waves? Why does a collision between one atom of gas and the wall of its container transfer momentum but not much energy? How does a microwave oven work? Why does carbon dioxide production heat the earth? Why are leaves green, water blue, and how do the eyes detect the difference? The book deals directly with the substance of these questions, avoiding the use of predigested material more appropriate for memorization exercises than for actual concrete learning.