Energy, Structure, and Dynamics
Experimental physical chemistry

All processes in nature are driven by an attempt to obtain lowest energy and greatest possible disorder (entropy).  In order to understand chemical reactions and chemical equilibrium in detail it is important to measure energy and entropy changes.  The interactions between biomolecules and water are important in biology and determine the formation of membranes and micelles in an attempt to shield non-polar groups in biomolecules from contact with water.  We use calorimeters and other techniques to determine energies and equilibrium constants.

Rheology is the science of flow and deformation of matter.  Rheometers can be used to measure viscosities of liquids and to monitor how elastic structures are formed during e.g. gelation processes.  Gels and gelation are important in all living cells and in many biological processes e.g. blood coagulation.  Gels are also of great importance in the food industry in e.g. acidification of milk and ensuring consistency of jams.

Surface tension regulates many phenomena in nature and is seen in the formation of spherical raindrops.  Air bubbles are unfortunately formed during air spraying of paints with decreased stability as a consequence.  Bubbles can be seen by microscopy, and the surface tension and rheology of the paints are important for the formation and motions of the air bubbles.

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