15750 - Basics Principles of Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the students has the basic knowledge of chemistry, is able to write chemical equations, to describe the chemical-strctural characteristics of matter, to understand the kinetics of a chemical reaction and the heat involved.

Course contents

Atomic structure of matter : atoms, fundamental particles, atomic number, isotopes, atomic mass, mole and molar mass. Nomenclature of compounds.

Electronic structure of atoms and periodicity of atomic properties: the wave nature of matter, wave mechanics, atomic orbitals, quantum numbers, electron configurations of the elements and periodic properties.

Chemical bonds : ionic bonds and structure of ionic crystals. Covalent bond: hybrid orbitals and molecular structure, molecular orbital theory. Covalent crystals. Polarity of molecules. Metallic bond: band theory. Weak interactions.

Stoichiometry, chemical reactions and redox.

States of matter: gases, ideal gas law, mixture of gases and real gases. Liquid state: solutions and measures of concentration. Exercises. Solids: kinds of crystals. Materials and their environmental impact: plastics and bio-plastics.

Thermochemistry: Hess's Law of heat. Standard reactions enthalpies, enthalpies of formation and combustion. Fuels and bio-fuels.

Chemical kinetics: reaction rate, rate law and activation energy. Catalysts.

Chemical equilibrium: the equilibrium constant, homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria, the responsa of equilibria to changes.

Ionic equilibria in acqueous solutions. Acids and bases. pH determination.

Readings/Bibliography

M.S. Silberberg "Chimica. La natura molecolare della materia e delle sue trasformazioni" ed. McGraw-Hill

Bertani R., Dettin M., Mozzon M., Sgarbossa P. "Fondamenti di Chimica per le Tecnologie"

Teaching methods

Theory lectures and problem-solving sessions will be delivered using slides projected in class. Copies of the slides will be provided to students before each lecture. Exercises will be completed by the students independently during class, followed by collective review and discussion of the solutions.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of a final exam. This is based on an analytical assessment of the "expected learning outcomes" described above.

In order to properly assess such achievement the examination is composed of a written session, which consists of multiple-choice and open-ended theoretical questions, as well as problem-solving exercises covering the topics addressed during the course.

The examination,  2-hour long, must be completed without the use of notes, textbooks, electronic devices (e.g., smartphones or smartwatches), or any material other than that provided by the instructor. The use of basic calculators is permitted. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is not allowed.

The use of AI, notes, textbooks, electronic devices, or any unauthorized material constitutes a violation of examination regulations and will result in the invalidity of the examination.

The examination is considered passed with a mark of 18/30 or higher.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject:

- atomic structure of matter and its properties in various states of aggregation

- methods of solving exercises of basic chemistry

Teaching tools

Teaching materials projected during lectures will be made available to students in electronic format through the VIRTUALE platform.

The teaching materials provided to students, even when supplemented by notes taken during lectures, are not intended to replace the recommended textbooks. Rather, they serve as a guide to the selection and understanding of the topics covered in the course.

Office hours

See the website of Annamaria Celli