28625 - Basics of Chemistry T-A L (L-Z)

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of the course are to understand the atomic and molecular nature of all phases of matter in order to develop the ability of interpreting the properties and behaviour of the principal classes of materials and to understand the effects of their productions on the environment.

Course contents

1. Atomic theory and atomic structure. Atomic. number, atomic mass units, isotopes. The nuclear structure.

2. The electronic structure of atoms and the periodical table. Brief description of the quantum theory: Photoelectric effect., Bohr theory of the Hydrogen atom and the atomic line spectra. Quantum numbers and atomic orbitals. Electron configurations and periodicity of the elements.

3. The Ionic bond. Energy and the solid structures involved in ionic bonding. The covalent bond. Single, coordinate and multiple bonds. Polar covalent bonds. Hybrid orbitals, resonance and molecular geometry.  Bonding in metals. The Band theory of solids. Conductors, semiconductors and insulators. Hydrogen and Van deer Waals bond.

4. Chemical formulas, naming simple compounds. Chemical reactions and balancing of oxidation-reduction equations. Stoichiometry.

5. States of Matter: The gaseous state. The liquid state. The solid state.

6. Thermochemistry. First law of thermodynamics, enthalpy, Hess' law.  Standard enthalpy of  formation and combustion.

7.  Self-ionization of water and pH. Arrhenius and Bronsted concepts of acids and bases. The pH of strong acid or base aqueous solutions.

8. Basics of organic chemistry. Fossil fuels and biofuels.

9. Polymers: the main classes. Properties and applications.Polymer recycling.

10. Metals: steels and cast irons. Phase diagram Fe-C, steel thermal treatments and mechanical performances.

Readings/Bibliography

Peter Atkins and Loretta Jones. Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight. W.H. Freeman and Company;

Martin Silberberg. Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change 5th ed. McGraw Hill;

Raymond Chang, Chemistry McGraw Hill; 

William D. Callister Jr and David G. Rethwisch, Material science and engineering: an introduction Wiley and sons  (a few chapters on materials)

Teaching methods

The course is organised into frontal lectures followed by exercise sessions to practice with the concepts and theories learned during the lectures. Slides shown during lectures are made available to download.

Assessment methods

Written test at the end of the course

Teaching tools

Slides shown during lectures are available to download from Alma Digital Library.

Office hours

See the website of Maurizio Fiorini

See the website of Filippo Monti