Astrochemistry and Atmospheric Chemistry: From the Big Bang to the Present Day

Starting with the Big Bang, this book tells the story of the development of chemistry within our universe to the present day.Topics covered include: the spontaneous formation of the first chemical elements; the formation of higher chemical elements through stellar nucleosynthesis; the rich variety of 'alien' chemistry occurring in large interstellar gas clouds; formation of the solar system and evolution of the Earth; and the physical and chemical structure of today's atmosphere. Simple photochemical models are used to explain a range of phenomena such as the greenhouse effect, the formation of the ozone layer and the self-cleansing properties of the troposphere.Astrochemistry and Atmospheric Chemistry is suitable for undergraduates in chemistry and astrophysics, as well as anyone interested in the topic. This is a must-read for those who wish to understand the role of physical chemistry in the formation and current set-up of the world we live in.