Academic Year 2020/2021
- Docente: Alberto Credi
- Credits: 3
- SSD: CHIM/03
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Environment and Workplace Prevention Techniques (cod. 8487)
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student knows the principles of General Chemistry and understands the relationship between structure and chemical-physical properties; he/she can distinguish between types of different reactions, can write and balance chemical reactions, knows the principles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and electrochemistry, and is able to explain phenomena such as the corrosion of metals.
Course contents
TEACHING UNIT 1 - THE STRUCTURE
1.1 The chemical approach to the study of Nature
Chemistry, central science - The language of chemistry - Physical and chemical transformations - Composition of atoms, atomic and mass numbers, isotopes
1.2 The atomic and molecular nature of matter
Atomic weight - Chemical formulas - Molecular formula and minimal formula - The mole - Molar mass - Exercises
1.3 Atomic structure
Model of the hydrogen atom - Atomic orbitals, quantum numbers, spin - Orbitals in polyelectronic atoms - Electronic configurations of the elements - Periodic properties and relationship with electronic configurations
1.4 The chemical bond
General concepts - Covalent bond: Lewis formulas, molecular geometry (VSEPR model), bond polarization, hybrid orbitals, outline of molecular orbitals - Ionic bond: lattice energy and properties of ionic compounds - Metallic bond - Intermolecular forces: Van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bond
1.5 Aggregation states
Properties of gases, liquids and solids - Gases: equation of state of ideal gases, gas mixtures - Liquids: evaporation and vapor pressure - Crystalline and anisotropic solids - Allotropic forms - State diagrams and phase changes
TEACHING UNIT 2 - TRANSFORMATIONS
2.1 Chemical reactions
Chemical equations and balancing - Limiting reagent - Oxidation number and redox reactions - Nomenclature of binary compounds - General properties of oxides, hydrides, hydroxides and salts - Exercises
2.2 Chemical thermodynamics
Internal energy, heat and work - The first law of thermodynamics - Enthalpy and entropy - The second law of thermodynamics - Free energy and spontaneity of reactions - Calculation of reaction enthalpy and free energy
2.3 Solutions
Properties and preparation of a solution - Expressions of concentration - Colligative properties: lowering of vapor pressure, depression of freezing point, elevation of boiling point, osmotic pressure - Exercises
2.4 The chemical equilibrium
Gas phase and heterogeneous equilibria - Equilibrium constant and reaction quotient - Effect of chemical and physical parameters on equilibrium; Le Chatelier's principle - Thermodynamic interpretation of equilibrium: relationship between deltaG° and K - Exercises
2.5 Acids and bases in aqueous solution
Bronsted and Lowry theory; conjugated acids and bases - Self-dissociation of water - pH - Strong and weak acids and bases - Degree of dissociation - Polyprotic acids - Hydrolysis - Buffer solutions - Titrations - Exercises
2.6 Solubility equilibria
Poorly soluble salts - Kps and solubility - Precipitation - Common ion effect - Exercises
2.7 Electrochemistry
Redox reactions and electricity - Galvanic cells: electromotive force, reduction potentials, Nernst equation - Electrolytic cells - Corrosion of metals
2.8 Chemical kinetics
Reaction rate - Kinetic equation - Reaction mechanism - Arrhenius law - Activation energy - Homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis - Stability and inertness of a chemical system
Readings/Bibliography
Any textbook of general/basic chemistry at the university level. A few suggestions among many:
- R. Chang, K. Goldsby, General Chemistry, McGraw Hill
- P. M. S. Silberberg, Chemistry, McGraw Hill
- S. S. Zumdahl, Chemistry, Cengage
Teaching methods
Online lectures with classroom exercise on numeric problems about the topics explained. Lectures are supported by powerpoint presentations and use of blackboard.
If time is available, themes of current or particular interest (e.g. technological), related to the topics covered in the course, will be discussed.
It should be emphasized that attending classes regularly is of utmost importance to make the most of the course and to facilitate the preparation to the exam.
Assessment methods
The acquisition of the learning outcomes is ascertained by means of a written test comprising answers to questions and solution of numeric problems. The test must be undertaken without the support of notes or textbooks. A time of one hour is assigned for the test.
The written test consists of:
- seven questions on theory, covering all the topics presented in the teaching units;
- three numerical problems, each related to a different topic among the following ones: atomic weight and mole, balancing of chemical reactions and related stoichiometry calculations, limiting reagent, solution concentration, colligative properties, determination of pH of strong and weak acids or bases, solubility.
Each correct anwer to a theoretical question is given a score of 2; a score comprised between 0 and 6 is assigned to each problem. The mark of the written test is calculated as the sum of the scores obtained in each question and problem.
The maximum score of the test is 32, corresponding to 30 cum laude; a score of at least 18 in the written test is required to pass the exam.
The mark of the final test determines the grade of the exam; no partial tests during the progress of the course are performed.
The student can choose to undertake an optional oral exam, whose outcome will contribute to determining the final grade. The optional oral exam can only be undertaken if the written test has been passed.
The exam (both the written test and the oral exam) can be undertaken in english. Students who would like to take advantage of this possibility must send a written request (email) to the professor at least one week in advance.
Teaching tools
The slides shown at the lectures are accessible in advance to students through the platform virtuale.unibo.it (previously IOL). It is highly recommended that students attend lectures with a printed copy of the slides, which they can complement with notes. Also available on IOL are a periodic table, several problems (with and without solution), FAQs on the course and the exam, and other online resources.
Office hours
See the website of Alberto Credi