Physical Chemistry

Introduction and Review

S.I. units; mathematical review, use of calculators and computers in physical chemistry.

The Nature of Physical Chemistry and the Behavior of Gases

Definitions, energy, review of the properties of ideal gases: absolute temperature scale, kinetic theory of gases, collision frequency, collision number and mean free path; real gases: compressibility factor, deviations from ideal gas behaviour, real gas isotherms, van der Waal’s equation, other equations of state, critical phenomena, continuity of states.

The First Law of Thermodynamics

Definitions, P-V work, expansion of an ideal gas, heat, heat capacity, latent heat, path dependent functions, statements of the first law, constant V processes, C_v, enthalpy, C_p, reversible processes, w_rev, adiabatic and isothermal processes, heat capacities of ideal monatomic and diatomic gases.

Application of the First Law: Thermochemistry

Standard states, measurement of ?H, calorimetry, relationship between ?U and ?H, temperature dependence of ?H, enthalpies of formation, bond strengths.

The Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics

Carnot cycle, efficiency of heat engines, entropy, calculation of ?S, temperature and volume dependence of S, molecular interpretation of S; the Third Law and absolute entropies.

The Gibbs Energy

Gibbs and Helmholtz functions, Gibbs energies of formation, pressure and temperature dependence of ?G, fugacity, thermodynamic limits to energy conversion.

Chemical Equilibrium

Thermodynamic equilibrium constant, K_c,K_p, calculations involving equilibrium in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, degree of dissociation, temperature dependence of K.

Phases and Solutions

Phase equilibria in one-component systems, Clapeyron, and Clausius-Clapeyron equations; ideal solutions: Raoult’s and Henry’s Laws, partial molar properties, chemical potential, thermodynamics of mixing; nonideal solutions: activity and activity coefficients; review of colligative properties: ?T_f, ?T_b, ?P, and osmotic pressure.

Laboratory Content

The following experiments will be performed during the laboratory period.

1. Gravimetric Analysis: Determination of Aluminum
2. Preparation and Analysis of a Coordination Compound
3. Solution Calorimetry
4. The Bomb Calorimeter
5. Determination of Al³⁺, Ni²⁺ and Fe³⁺ by Ion Exchange
6. Determination of Iron in Multivitamin Tablets by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
7. Volumetric Analysis of Household Bleach
8. Thermodynamic Study of a Donor-Acceptor Complex
9. Vapour pressure of a Liquid