OVERVIEW

The Course Physical Chemistry is focused on thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. It complete the basic chemical-physical knowledge of materials science students, allowing to approach to the investigation of complex chemical and biochemical systems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Acquire methodological rigor and mathematical formalism to interpret and describe the fundamental phenomena that underlie the chemical-physical systems. Particular attention will be paid to the description and understanding of the energy profile of chemical systems as well as to the physical-chemical phenomena as a function of time.

PREREQUISITES

Background in Mathematics, General Physics and General Chemistry is recommended.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures (48 hours), Classroom attendance is strongly recommended. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The detailed program is also available on AULA WEB and  it will be discussed with the students during lectures

CHEMICAL KINETICS AND CATALYSIS

Reaction rate and order. Molecularity and reaction mechanism. Series reactions. Parallel reactions. Reversible reactions. Kinetic analysis of experimental data. Dependence of reaction rate on temperature (Arrhenius equation). Theory of chemical reactions (collision theory and transition state theory). Kinetics of Complex Reactions. Catalysis and catalysts. Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Langmuir isotherm. Enzymatic catalysis.

THERMODYNAMICS

 Definition of thermodynamic system, path, state function, heat, work. Zero principle of thermodynamics. First principle of thermodynamics. Joule's experience and definition of internal energy. Second principle of thermodynamics. Definition of entropy (S) according to classical thermodynamics and statistical thermodynamics. Dependence of S on Temperature and Volume. Definition of Gibbs free energy (G) and its application to complex chemical systems.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

P.Atkins - J de Paola Chimica Fisica- 2012 (quinta edizione) Zanichelli Bologna

Laidler -Meiser Chimica Fisica 1999 Editoriale Grasso Bologna

E.L.Cussler Diffusion 1997 Cambridge University Press -USA

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCELLA PANI (President)

DAVIDE PEDDIS (President)

CRISTINA ARTINI

FABIO MICHELE CANEPA

MAURIZIO FERRETTI

MASSIMO OTTONELLI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

October 3, 2022

Class schedule

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination test consists of

- Oral examination will cover both theoretical aspects of the course and the resolution of exercises. The student must demonstrate understanding of main chemical-physical concepts and he/she must show  good familiarity with the mathematical derivations discussed during the lectures. 

- Preparation of a short presentation (also with ppt support) on a topic discussed during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral examination in which the student answers questions about the topics covered in class;

notably, for the thermodynamics he must prove the ability to set a problem.

Exam schedule