Physical ChemistryLaajuus (4 ECTS)

Objective

The student knows the governing principles of thermodynamics and kinetics as well as the influence of process conditions on the equilibrium rate of a chemical reaction. The student can describe the mechanism of enzymatic and heterogeneous catalysis. After completion of this course the student is able to assess whether a proposed reaction may proceed spontaneously and if heat is released or absorbed in the reaction. He/she can also interpret phase diagrams of pure substances, liquid-vapor diagrams and distillation diagrams.

Content

1. Laws of thermodynamics, internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy.

2. Applications of thermodynamics, the spontaneity of reactions and physical transitions, the concept of chemical equilibrium; phase diagrams of pure substances and binary mixtures; electrochemistry.

3. Kinetics and catalysis: rate laws, the order of reaction, the dependence of reaction rated on temperature; adsorption isotherms.

4. Laboratory exercises and demonstrations.

Qualifications

Inorganic and analytical chemistry (for the theoretical part)
Introductory Chemistry Laboratory Course completed before the laboratory part can be started.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1. The student is able to calculate change of enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy using table data.

2. The student understands the difference between thermodynamics and kinetics. The student can calculate equilibrium composition of chemical reactions under standard conditions.

3. Understands the basic concepts of reaction kinetics and catalysis.

4. Laboratory works are completed and results reported according to given instructions.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

1. The student is able to calculate change of enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy at a given temperature and pressure using table data.

2. The student is able to evaluate using thermodynamic functions if a process is spontaneous, endothermic or exothermic at standard conditions.

3. Understands the connection of reaction mechanism and rate law.

4. Analysis of data and comparison of experimental results with reference data and theories. Properly filled and updated laboratory work notebook.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

1. The student is able to use thermodynamic functions (change of internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy) to solve applied problems.

2. The student is able to evaluate using thermodynamic functions if a process is spontaneous at given conditions (T, p)

3. Knows the temperature dependence of chemical reaction. Rate and mechanism of catalyzed reactions.

4. Detailed analysis of the results including critical evaluation of the progress of the work. Error analysis.