00122 - Physical Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has acquired basic knowledge of thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, and chemical potential. They apply classical thermodynamics in studying transport phenomena. The student gains the skills necessary to understand the physical principles underlying materials chemistry. Laboratory activities introduce them to initial examples of applied techniques and models.

Course contents

Thermodynamics

Introduction. Thermodynamic systems. Heat, work and internal energy. Entropy and its statistical significance. Absolute temperature.

Thermodynamic equilibrium (thermochemistry). Enthalpy, Gibbs and Helmholtz free energies. Fundamental equations. Thermal capabilities. Thermochemical.

Phase balance. Phase transitions and equilibria (one-component systems). Phase rule. Partial molar quantities, ideal and real solutions, activity. Phase transitions and equilibria (two-component systems). Phase diagrams.

Chemical reactions. Reactive mixtures: chemical equilibrium and equilibrium constants. Effect of temperature on equilibrium with exercises/pressure effect

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kinetics

Introduction to reaction kinetics. Definition of reaction rate, order of reaction, molecularity, elementary processes, unit of measurement of kinetic constants. Examples and exercises.

Integration of kinetic equations (first, second order 1 and 2 reactants, order n 1 reactant ) and their applications. H alf-life times, relationship between kinetics of elementary processes and stoichiometry. Examples and exercises.

Non-elementary kinetic processes (consecutive, simultaneous and complex consectuvie reactions), constructing their differential kinetic equations. Chemical equilibrium as a non-elementary process. Integration of kinetic equation systems.

Consecutive kinetic equations illustrated by means of the analytical solution and steady-state approximation . Complex consecutive kinetics: steady-state and pre-equilibrium approximations. Examples and exercises.

Dependency of the reaction rate on temperature: Arrhenius equation. Examples and exercises.

Enzymatic catalysis: definitions and Michaelis-Menten reaction mechanism . Lineweaver-Burk diagram.

Readings/Bibliography

For all modules:
P.W Atkins, J. De Paula, J. Keeler Physical Chemistry, VI ed. it., Zanichelli (2020)

----------------------------------------------

For thermodynamics: thermodynamics lecture notes (available online on virtuale), thermodynamics tutorial lecture notes (available online on virtuale)

 

For Kinetics:

Lecture notes, slides and resolution of exercises: available online on Virtuale

Teaching methods

• The lectures will be aimed at the theoretical understanding and practical use of tools for solving problems of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics.

• The lessons will be accompanied by numerical exercises, which will support the theoretical discussion, with verification of learning through self-assessment quizzes.

Assessment methods

The verification of learning that aims to ascertain the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills takes place through the final exam alone which consists of a written test. The test consists in the resolution of 3 numerical exercises for the thermodynamics module and of 3 numerical exercises. The exercises and problems will concern the topics of the program carried out in the classroom and will be drawn up according to types similar to the exercises carried out in the classroom by the teacher.
The final grade, composed as an average of the marks reported in the tests relating to the two modules, reflects the overall evaluation of the candidate.

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University Office ([https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it]) promptly. This office will advise the affected students of any accommodations. These accommodations must be approved by the instructor at least 15 days in advance, who will evaluate their suitability, also taking into account the course's learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, projector, numerical exercises, video and virtual support and self-assessment quizzes (through the use of virtual or Kahoot)

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Valenti

See the website of Cristina Puzzarini