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

The course program is divided in the following parts:

1. The atom and atom models

· Atom composition (electrons, protons and neutrons); Rutheford experiment, elecromagnetic spectrum, photoelectric effect, Heisemberg principle.

· Atomic number, mass number and isotops.

· Atom structure and atomic models: Thompson, Rutherford, Bohr

· Schrodinger equation.

· Electronic configuration of atoms and ions; Pauli principle, Hund rules.

2. Mole, chemical reaction and stoichiometry

· The concept of mole

· Molecular and molar masses. Calculation of number of moles.

· Chemical equation and balancement of equations.

· Reaction Yield.

· Stoichiometry exercizes.

3. The periodic table, the chemical bond and the intermolecular interactions

· Periodic properties (atomic volume, ionization energy, electronic affinity, metallic character)

· The chemical bond

· Lewis Formulas

· Ionic bond: the concept of ionic valence

· Covalent bond: single and multiple bonds. Lewis and VB theories.

· Molecular geometry. VSPER model.

· Bond energy. Molecular polarity.

· Metallic bond.

· Intermolecular forces.

4. oxidation number and chemical names of molecules

· Calculation of oxidation number

· Classical and IUPAC nomeclatures

5. Form of aggregations: Liquid, solid and gas

· The gas phase: Boyle law, Avogadro hypothesis, the law of perfect gas, Dalton law.

· The liquid phase: vapor pressure, viscosity, supercritical fluids

· The solid phase: crystalline lattices

6. Solutions

· Effect of pressure and temperature on solubility

· Molarity

· Colligative properties

· Phase diagrams with one or two phases

7. Termodynamic and thermochemistry

· First principle of thermodynamic

· Enthalpy definition

· Hess law

8. Chemical Kinetics

· Reaction rate

· Activation energy and Arrhenius law.

· Catalysis

9. Chemical Equilibrium

· Definition of equilibrium constant

· Le Chatelier principle

10. Acid Base equilibrium

· Arrhenius and bronsted-Lowry theories

· Kw, pH and pOH.

· pH calculation for strong acids and bases

11. Organic Chemistry fundamentals

· Hydrocarbons nomenclature

· Fossil fuels: types and characteristics. Calculation of octane number

· bio-fuels

· heteroatoms and functional groups

12. Polymeric materials

· Polymer classes

· Crystallinity of polymers

· Correlation between structure and properties

· Synthesis of polymers

· Polymer uses

· Recycling of polymers

· Polymers from renewable resorurces and biodegradable polymers

13. Metallic materials

· Steel and cast iron production

· Iron-carbon diagrams

· Alloys

14. Composite materials

· Composite with polymer matrix

· Kevlar, carbon and glass fibers

· Preparation methods

15.Mechanical properties

· Mechanical properties of polymers and steel

· Stress-strain diagram

· Dynamical mechanical testing

· Impact testing

Readings/Bibliography

M.S. Silberberg "Chimica. La natura molecolare della materia e delle sue trasformazioni" ed. McGraw-Hill

R.A. Michelin, A. Munari "Fondamenti di Chimica" ed.CEDAM

R.A. Michelin, M. Mozzon, A. Munari "Test ed Esercizi di Chimica", ed. CEDAM

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons and exercises

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of a final exam. This is based on an analytical assessment of the "expected learning outcomes" described above.

In order to properly assess such achievement the examination is composed of a written session, which consists of a test, duration 2h, composed of theorethical questions and exercises, according to the course contents described above.

For the students that obtained at least 18/30 in the written session and aim at improving this score, an oral session, consisting of a review of the written output and questions on the fundamental principles of Chemistry, is possible, but not obligatory.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject:

- atomic structure of matter and its properties in various states of aggregation

- methods of solving exercises of basic Chemistry

Teaching tools

Overhead projector. The material used during the lessons is available online to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Annamaria Celli