29225 - Basics of Chemistry T

Learning outcomes

The student acquires the basic knowledge of chemistry necessary for the interpretation of the behavior of materials of interest for mechanical engineering and for the understanding of the phenomena that occur in energy processes.

Course contents

1. The atomic structure of matter. Atoms and molecules. The fundamental particles of matter and the first atomic models: the Rutherford model. Atomic number and mass number; nuclides and isotopes. Relative and absolute atomic weights; the unit of atomic mass. The mole and Avogadro's number.


2. The structure of the atomic nucleus. Stable nuclídes and radionuclídes. Radioactivity. Notes on natural radioactive families.


3. The electronic configurations of atoms. The photoelectric effect. The emission spectrum of the hydrogen atom. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. De Broglie's waves. The Schrödinger equation and its application to the case of the hydrogen atom. Atomic orbitals and quantum numbers. Atoms with more electrons: the electron spin and the spin quantum number: the Pauli exclusion principle and Hund's rule. The electronic configuration of the main elements. The Periodic Table of the Elements; the main periodic properties and their trend along the groups and periods.


4. The chemical bond. The ionic bond. Ionic valence. The covalent bond. Simple bonds and multiple bonds: sigma and pigeon-type bonds. Coordination bonds. Valence bond theory (VB). The valence of atoms. Hybrid orbitals and molecular geometry; the sp, sp2, sp3 hybrids; hints at other types of hybridization. Notes on the VSEPR theory. Polar and non-polar molecules. The theory of molecular orbitals (OM). The metallic bond; the band model in solids. Conductors and insulators. Semiconductors and their doping. Weak ties.


5. Chemical reactions. The stoichiometric equation and its meaning. The nomenclature of the most common inorganic and organic compounds. Oxidation-reduction reactions and their balancing. Stoichiometric calculations.


6. The states of aggregation of matter.


The gaseous state: the ideal gas model and the gas equation of state. Dalton's laws. The compressibility factor. The critical temperature.


The liquid state: vapor pressure and boiling temperature. The solutions. The solubility of a solid and a gas in a liquid.


The solid state: amorphous solids and crystalline solids; the crystal lattice and the unit cell. Notes on crystallographic systems and the various types of elementary cells. Compact crystalline cells: EC, CCC, CFC. The main characteristics of the various types of crystalline solids (metallic, ionic, molecular, covalent, etc.). The main defects in crystals: point, line and surface defects.


7. State diagrams. The phase rule and state diagrams of a pure substance. The colligative properties of solutions. Main types of two-component state diagrams relating to liquid-solid and liquid-vapour equilibria.


8. Chemical kinetics. The reaction speed. The kinetic equation. The reaction order. Effect of temperature on the reaction rate: the Arrhenius equation; the activation energy. Catalysts: general properties; homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis.


9. Thermochemistry. The first law of thermodynamics; internal energy and enthalpy. Thermochemistry: thermochemical equations; The standard enthalpy of formation; the standard enthalpy of reaction. Notes on combustion. Hess's law.


10. Chemical equilibrium. The chemical equilibrium from a kinetic point of view. Expressions of equilibrium constants for ideal gaseous systems: KP and Kc. Calculation of the equilibrium composition. The shift in balance. The Van't Hoff equation


11. Ionic equilibria in solution. The self-protolysis of water. Acid, neutral and basic solutions: pH. Acids and bases according to Arrhenius and according to Brönsted and Lowry. Solubility equilibria.


12. Electrochemistry. The Daniell pile. The electromotive force of a battery. The electrochemical series. The Nernst equation. Electrolytic processes: the potential for decomposition; Faraday's laws. Corrosion in metals and protection methods.

Readings/Bibliography

R.A. Michelin, A. Munari - " Fondamenti di Chimica ", Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, 2019.

R.A. Michelin, P. Sgarbossa, M. Mozzon, A. Munari - "CHIMICA, Test ed Esercizi", Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, 2018.

Teaching methods

The course is based on lectures, supported by the projection of PowerPoint presentations.


Guided exercises will be carried out on the various topics of the program, both during the normal course of the lessons and during dedicated exercises. The exercises carried out will be similar, in type and difficulty, to those proposed during the exam.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment includes a written test, part of which consists of multiple choice quizzes and part of exercises on topics covered in classroom exercises.

Teaching tools

The classroom lessons will be supported by the presentation of PowerPoint slides which can be downloaded in PDF (Virtual) format before the start of each lesson.


Also on Virtuale it will be possible to find other useful material for preparing for the written test, such as the mock-up of the exam.

Office hours

See the website of Michelina Soccio