LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to provide the basic knowledge of chemistry, necessary for the further studies. The fundamentals for the correct comprehension of matter and its transformations are the subject of this course.

The learning outcomes are, in addition to the acquisition of the basic knowledge, the ability of using scientific language and of solving numerical problems, by applying the acquired notions to real cases.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to provide the basic knowledge of chemistry, necessary for the further studies. The fundamentals for the correct comprehension of matter and its transformations are the subject of this course. In particular:

- matter and its structure (atomic structure, chemical bonds, inorganic compounds, nomenclature, states of matter);

- principles of chemical thermodynamics;

-  solutions;

- chemical reactions;

- chemical equilibrium;

- electrochemistry;

- periodic table and main chemical properties of the most important elements and inorganic compounds.

The learning outcomes are, in addition to the acquisition of the basic knowledge, the ability of using scientific language and of solving numerical problems, by applying the acquired notions to real cases.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching is based on class lessons (80 hours). The lessons deal the whole programme; the teacher presents and solves problems.

In particular cases, such as pandemic situations, the lessons might be held by remote (only remote learning or blended mode), following the University guidelines.

Didactic materials are provided in Aulaweb, in order to facilitate the study; exercises for checking the knowledge level are proposed. Students may upload their exercises and receive feedback by the teacher.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to Chemistry. Elements, compounds and mixtures. Solutions and concentration. Rules of chemical nomenclature. Chemical reactions. Stoichiometry.
• Gas state. The equation of state of ideal gas. Mixtures of gases and Dalton’s law of partial pressure. The real gases and Van der Waals equation.
• Thermodynamics. Heat of reaction and enthalpy. Enthropy. Gibbs free energy and spontaneous reactions.
• Atom. Atomic structure. Atomic orbitals. Electrons and orbitals. Periodic table.
• Chemical bond. Ionic bond. Covalent bound. Electronegativity. Lewis structures. The VSEPR theory. Hybrid orbitals. Intermolecular forces.
• Liquid state and solid state. Liquids. Solids. Metallic bond. Phase transitions and phase diagrams for single-component systems.
• Solutions. Solubility. Ideal solution and Raoult’s law. Colligative properties. Electrolytes. Degree of dissociation. Conductivity of electrolyte solutions.
• Chemical kynetics. Reaction rate. Collision theory. Factors affecting the rate of reactions. Kinetic equation. Catalysis.
• Chemical equilibrium. Law of mass action. Equilibrium constant. Le Chatelier’s principle. Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibrium.
• Acids and bases. Theories of: Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis. Strength of acids and bases. Acidity of aqueous solutions: pH. pH indicators. Hydrolysis. Buffer solutions. Solubility equilibrium. Complexes.
• Electrochemistry. Electrodes and galvanic cells. Reduction potentials and Nernst equation. Electrolysis. Faraday’s laws. Accumulators.
• Inorganic chemistry. Hydrogen. Main characteristics of the elements of 1, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 Groups and their most representative compounds. Characteristics of the elements of d-block and representative compounds.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The recommended book is:

- Peter Atkins, Loretta Jones, “CHIMICA GENERALE”, Ed. Zanichelli.

Other books of General and Inorganic Chemistry at university level can be used, e.g.:

- Kotz, Treichel, Townsend, Treichel “CHIMICA”, VII ed., Ed. Edises

- Brown, Lemay, Bursten, Murphy, Woodward, “FONDAMENTI DI CHIMICA”, Ed. Edises

- Casarin, Casella, D'Agostino, Filippi, Grandinetti, Purrello, Re, Speranza, "CHIMICA GENERALE E INORGANICA" a cura di M. Speranza, Ed. Edi-ermes

- Petrucci, Herring, Madura, Bissonnette, “CHIMICA GENERALE. Principi ed applicazioni moderne" (+ complete solutions manual), Ed. Piccin