What Is The Best Physical Chemistry Textbook?

Here comes probably the scariest part of chemistry college programs for many students: physical chemistry. And around it, the most frequently asked question: what is the best physical chemistry textbook that you can get?

Some other students find are more intimidated by organic chemistry. However, most chemistry students are not incredibly fluent in maths, so all those physical chemistry equations can seem a bit overwhelming.

Physical chemistry isn’t the easiest subject to learn; it might frustrate you at times. Very basic and important concepts such as thermodynamics and kinetics are often overlooked in basic chemistry courses. However, if you have the right tools, in this case, the right books, you will have no problem whatsoever studying and passing exams. 

For this review, we will look at some of the best physical chemistry textbooks. For better or worse, it doesn’t seem to be a huge variety to choose from, in contrast with what happens with organic chemistry or general chemistry textbooks. So this comparison review will be quite concise, focused on the three most recommended physical chemistry reference books.

In any case, it does not matter if you are a college professor with a physical chemistry course to teach, or a student who is looking for a solid book to study from, either way, you are covered.

Our Top Pick: Which Book Is the Absolute Best?

After having used all the reviewed books, it didn’t take us long to choose McQuarrie’s Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach as the absolute best way to study, learn or teach physical chemistry.

Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

McQuarrie is definitely the king. The red book, even being still on it’s first edition, is undefeated as the best book to learn physical chem. I know many students that had another books defined as course assignment text, but turned to McQuarrie’s to really be able to grasp everything and ace the courses.

McQuarrie’s is just the way to go in most situations, you cannot go wrong with it.

The Best Physical Chemistry Books Reviewed

And now we jump right into the entire reviews!

1. Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

Authored by Donald A. McQuarrie and John D. Simon, this chemistry book is, without a doubt, the most logical and best physical chemistry book you will find anywhere. If you are a beginner, and you plan on getting your feet wet in physical chemistry, this book is an excellent choice.

Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach

The book is logically organized, and its concepts are clear and very easy to follow. The math, which is also clear and easy to follow, comes before the physical chemistry chapters. For beginners, I find this helpful because rather than assuming you learned the math elsewhere, the book explains it to you. And there are adequate mathematical reviews at the end of each math section that you can go over. 

For more advanced students or courses, you aren’t left out. This book is the go-to textbook in the area of Thermodynamics and Quantum. I have never seen quantum chemistry explained in any other book as beautifully and enjoyably.

There are many problems on each chapter. You can grab a copy of the problems and solutions manual for McQuarrie here. Many say it is a must if you are interested in focusing on solving problems (which are the main part of courses and exams), or if you are an instructor.

What Makes McQuarrie’s Physical Chemistry the Best?

After explaining the mathematical equations in the math chapters, the book then introduces the fundamentals of quantum theory with explanations. And then base everything else on a microscopic, atomic/molecular standpoint. And this is revolutionary because it helps students to see the subject in a unified and logical fashion, not leaving them confused. As you are probably aware, quantum chemistry and thermodynamics cover many concepts which are difficult to grasp. But not so much with this book. It takes an approach which I feel is the easiest way to learn these concepts.

All in all, I’d say that this book is a must-have physical chemistry textbook that most students of chemistry or college professors and should have on their book shelf. 

I’ve even hear a story of a non-chemist science enthusiast that grabbed a copy of this book and found it to be highly entertaining and instructive! It leaves you with a great feeling on how chemistry works from a (sub)atomic point of view.

To finish, the only drawback is the fact that the book hasn’t been updated since first release, so the figures can be a bit ugly and sometimes not easy to understand.

2. Atkin’s Physical Chemistry

Next runner up is Physical Chemistry by Peter Atkins, Julio de Paula and James Keeler. Now, here’s an updated and nicely illustrated textbook.

It comes in two volumes. The first one covers thermodynamics and kinetics. On my case, I studied quantum at college before thermodynamics and kinetics, so it seemed to me a bit counterintuitive. But I guess the two-volumes distribution was established for exactly this kind of situations.

This is nice, so you only have to buy and handle a 450 pages book for your thermodynamics and kinetics courses.

Atkins’ Physical Chemistry Volume 1: Thermodynamics and Kinetics

The second volume covers quantum chemistry and spectroscopy. It goes on for a little less than 400 pages, and focuses on the physical chemistry itself, not too much in the math behind. it gives just enough to be understandable with a solid base. But you’d better be equipped with that skillset!

Atkins’ Physical Chemistry Volume 2: Quantum Chemistry, Spectroscopy, and Statistical Thermodynamics

Atkins’ books excel in probably being a bit easier to read than McQuarrie’s. It reads pretty much like a novel, and the well illustrated modern figures definitely help. Besides, the book was updated in 2018 with its 11th edition. These are probably the facts that make Atkins’ the most ubiquitous textbook as part university courses syllabus. It’s a great primary resource.

It goes less in depth than McQuarrie’s, but it is arguably easier to read and a bit less dry.

The corresponding Student Solutions Manual also makes Atkin’s text complete.

3. Levine’s Physical Chemistry

I would say that Physical Chemistry by Ira N. Levine is the third most widely used physical chemistry book over the world. This book aims at making the learning process as easy as possible.

Levine’s Physical Chemistry

It comes with stepwise derivations and all maths quite carefully explained. Does a better job than Atkins’ but still not at the level of McQuarrie’s.

This book is on its 6th edition, but this update was released in 2008. It is written on a more formal or more dry manner than Atkins’, but this also makes it pretty specific and concise most of the times.

However, I would not recommend this text over the other two. It does a good job, but Atkins’ and McQuarrie’s do it better.

Closing Up

In summary, whatever textbook you select for guarding you from mighty physical chemistry, be aware that these courses can be a real challenge.

Just put enough time into studying and you will be fine. Also, make sure to have a decent base on maths (especially calculus) before taking physical chem courses. If you put time, have a good base, and one of these great textbooks, you will do fine.

In terms of comparison, we have already stated how McQuarrie’s Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach is the winner of the race. It is simply the best book for learning the subject from scratch, since even the math is explained carefully. It is particularly wonderful for quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

Even if your course ask you to follow Atkin’s or Levine’s, McQuarrie’s makes up for the best supplement.

On the other hand, Atkins’ can be arguably considered as the best “starting point” book out of the three. That is probably why it is the most recommended one for university courses.

This is all from our side. Make sure to check our general guide for learning chemistry. You can find there plenty of other resources that we have published or updated recently.

And also, please, if you have any comment or suggestion, or another book that you would like to see reviewed, go ahead and hit the comments section!