Physics for understanding Chemistry

Question

I am a highschooler who eventually wants to deeply understand the properties of elements and compounds etc. I have been dabbling in some Chemistry books lately but I find them a bit superficial, and thus I have come to realize that I need a good understanding of Physics. What branches of Physics are the most related to these questions? I think they are Quantum and Solid State Physics but I am not sure. And what are the prerequisites for these branches of Physics? Books definitely do not look beginner-friendly.

I am aware that achieving a real understanding of these subjects is very hard but you have to start somewhere, right? I was actually thinking to major in something related to Chemistry, but as I said I have been disillusioned and now I think I will major in something related to Physics (And I enjoy Physics as well).

Answer 1

One of the fundamental subjects in chemistry is the study of bonds between atoms and molecules, which fall into two main categories: intramolecular and extramolecular bonds.

Both these categories contain several forces of different nature, but they all rely on fundamental physical phenomena you might want to study. For example, the understanding of the more recent theories explaining covalent bonds requires a good understanding of quantum mechanics. Understanding electrostatic forces would mean understanding, well, electrostatics...

I would recommend the Feynman course to have a good first introduction to fundamental physics concepts. I find it enjoyable to read, although I read it after I learned a bit of physics in university, so I might be a little biased towards it by my previous exposure to the concepts...