67037 - Physical Chemistry with Laboratory

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will know the methods of experimental physical chemistry and will be able to apply, in the laboratory, selected topics covered in the institutional Physical Chemistry course.

The course therefore aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To apply the principles of thermodynamics, kinetics and quantum mechanics through a set of six laboratory experiments.
2. To develop the ability to work both independently and as part of a group.
3. To present experimental results and write reports in a clear, concise and complete manner.

Course contents

This course unit consists of the practical laboratory experiments listed below. The theory underlying each experiment is covered in the Physical Chemistry course, while the principles and details of each experiment are illustrated during lectures.

1. Determination of the Ka of weak acids and the effect of ionic strength on Ka.
2. Conductimetric study of the kinetics of ethyl acetate hydrolysis.
3. Spectrophotometric determination of the pKa of an indicator.
4. Partial miscibility in a three-component system: water, acetic acid and CH₂Cl₂.
5. Differential and integral heats of solution of KNO₃.
6. Computer chemistry: computational chemistry exercise.

Readings/Bibliography

No specific textbooks are indicated in the public course-unit page. Students should refer to the teaching materials and bibliographic indications provided by the instructors during lectures and laboratory activities.

Teaching methods

Lectures and laboratory experiments.

In view of the type of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance of this course unit requires all students to complete modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and to attend module 3, concerning specific training on health and safety in study and work environments.

Information on the dates and attendance procedures for module 3 is available in the relevant section of the degree programme website.

Assessment methods

Laboratory attendance is compulsory.

To fulfil the attendance requirement, students must attend in person at least 75% of the practical laboratory experiments. Attendance will be checked by signing an attendance sheet both at the beginning and at the end of each laboratory session.

The assessment of course unit 67037 – Physical Chemistry Laboratory is carried out jointly with the assessment of course unit 67035 – Physical Chemistry, according to the procedures described in detail in the course-unit page for 67035.

Teaching tools

Lectures are delivered using a whiteboard and marker, a PC and a video projector for the explanation of the laboratory experiments.

Physical chemistry laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Venuti

See the website of Riccardo Tarroni