29225 - Basics of Chemistry T

Learning outcomes

The course provides students with the basic principles of Chemistry, in order to understand the properties of the materials and the characteristics of the energetic processes employed in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

Course contents

The atomic structure of matter. The structure of atomic nuclei and the radioactivity; nuclear fission and fusion processes. Electronic structures of the elements and periodic properties. Chemical bonds: ionic, covalent and metallic bond. Weak bonds. Nomenclature of the most common inorganic and organic compounds. Redox processes. Stoichiometry.

The gas state: the state equation for ideal gases. Mixtures of ideal gases. Real gases. The critical temperature. The liquid state. Liquid-vapour equilibrium:  vapour pressure and boiling temperature. The solutions and their composition. The solid state. The crystal lattice and the unit cells. The main structures and properties of metallic, ionic, covalent and molecular solids. Defects in crystals. The Gibbs law and the phase diagram for a pure substance. The colligative properties of solutions. Some common phase diagrams for mixtures of two substances concerning liquid-solid and liquid-vapour equilibria.

Chemical kinetics: the reaction rate and its dependence on reagent concentrations, temperature, catalysts.

Thermochemistry; Hess law. Chemical equilibrium. The equilibrium constant in the case of ideal gases; the calculation of equilibrium composition. The response of equilibrium to change.

Ionic equilibria in solution. Acid and basic solutions; the definition of pH. Strong and weak acids and bases.

Fundamentals of Electrochemistry. The Daniell galvanic cell. The electromotive force. Electrochemical series and Nernst equation. Electrolytic  processes: the decomposition potential; Faraday's laws. Corrosion in metals.

 

Readings/Bibliography

R.A. Michelin, A. Munari - " Fondamenti di Chimica ", II Ed., CEDAM, Padova, 2011.

R.A. Michelin, M. Mozzon, A. Munari - " Test ed Esercizi di Chimica", VI Ed., CEDAM, Padova, 2012.

Teaching methods

The course is composed by two parts, a theoretical and an exercise one. This latter concerns the resolution of simple exercises regarding stoichiometry, redox reactions and chemical equilibrium

Assessment methods

The assessment methods are a written work and an optional oral interview. The written examination work consists of a number of multiple choice theory quiz (typically 40) and exercises (usually 2), these latter regarding arguments treated in classroom exercises. To be able to access the optional oral examination, you must have obtained a passing grade (at least 18) in the written work.

Teaching tools

Overhead projector. Copies of the exercises solved during the lessons and a typical examination paper will be available at the copying office near the entrance of the Library 'G.P. Dore'.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Munari