Spectroscopy 

was originally the study of the interaction between radiation andmatter as a function

of wavelength (λ). In fact, historically, spectroscopy referred to the use of visible light dispersed according
to its wavelength, e.g. by a prism. Later the concept was expanded greatly to comprise any measurement
of a quantity as a function of either wavelength or frequency. Thus, it also can refer to a response to an
alternating field or varying frequency (ν). A further extension of the scope of the definition
added energy (E) as a variable, once the very close relationship E = hν forphotons was realized (h is
the Planck constant). A plot of the response as a function of wavelength—or more commonly frequency—
is referred to as a spectrum; see alsospectral linewidth.

 thermochemistry is the study of the energyevolved or absorbed in chemical reactions and any physical

transformations, such as meltingand boiling. Thermochemistry, generally, is concerned with the energy
exchange accompanying transformations, such as mixing, phase transitions, chemical reactions, and
including calculations of such quantities as the heat capacity, heat of combustion, heat of
formation, enthalpy, and free energy.

Theoretical chemistry involves the use of physics to explain or predict chemical phenomena. In recent

years, it has consisted primarily ofquantum chemistry, i.e., the application of quantum mechanics to
problems in chemistry. Theoretical chemistry may be broadly divided into electronic structure, dynamics,
and statistical mechanics. In the process of solving the problem of predicting chemical reactivities, these
may all be invoked to various degrees. Other "miscellaneous" research areas in theoretical chemistry
include the mathematical characterization of bulk chemistry in various phases (e.g. the study of chemical
kinetics) and the study of the applicability of more recent math developments to the basic areas of study
(e.g. for instance the possible application of principles of topology to the study of electronic structure.) The
latter area of theoretical chemistry is sometimes referred to as mathematical chemistry.

Solid-state chemistry is the study of the synthesis, structure, and physical properties of solid materials.
It therefore has a strong overlap with solid-state
physics, mineralogy, crystallography, ceramics, metallurgy, thermodynamics, materials
science and electronics with a focus on the synthesis of novel materials and their characterization.