Physical Chemistry I
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
Understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of Chemical Thermodynamics, which aims to interpret chemical phenomena through laws of general validity. Study of energy exchanges between the study system and the environment in conditions where the system is in equilibrium or in which the system tends to evolve spontaneously.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will be able to apply the principles of Thermodynamics to chemical systems under equilibrium conditions. He/she will be able to use classical Chemical Thermodynamics in the study of phase equilibrium in single-- and multi-component systems and in chemical equilibrium. He/she will understand the physical principles at the basis of chemical phenomena and will be able to apply them to simple practical problems.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The properties of gases: perfect gases and their mixtures, real gases, state equations.
The first, the second, and the third law of thermodynamics: work, internal energy, heat, enthalpy, entropy, the Helmholtz and the Gibbs energies, the fundamental equation, the chemical potential.
Phase equilibria: the phase rule, phase diagrams, phase equilibria in single component systems, the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
The vapor pressure, phase diagrams for binary systems, standard enthalpy changes, standard enthalpies of formation, temperature dependence, calorimetric measurements.
Thermodynamics of solutions: ideal solutions, the Raoult's and Henry's laws, colligative properties of ideal solutions; non-ideal solutions, activity, activity coefficients and their determination.
Reaction equilibria: equilibrium constants for gas phase reactions and reactions in solution, temperature dependence, simultaneous and independent reactions.
Numerical solution of problems of chemical thermodynamics.
The first, the second, and the third law of thermodynamics: work, internal energy, heat, enthalpy, entropy, the Helmholtz and the Gibbs energies, the fundamental equation, the chemical potential.
Phase equilibria: the phase rule, phase diagrams, phase equilibria in single component systems, the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
The vapor pressure, phase diagrams for binary systems, standard enthalpy changes, standard enthalpies of formation, temperature dependence, calorimetric measurements.
Thermodynamics of solutions: ideal solutions, the Raoult's and Henry's laws, colligative properties of ideal solutions; non-ideal solutions, activity, activity coefficients and their determination.
Reaction equilibria: equilibrium constants for gas phase reactions and reactions in solution, temperature dependence, simultaneous and independent reactions.
Numerical solution of problems of chemical thermodynamics.
Prerequisites for admission
Mathematics, knowledge of the fundamentals of the differential and integral calculus. Knowledge of the basic concepts of chemistry, stoichiometry of chemical reactions.
Teaching methods
Recorded lectures with the aid of projections.
Teaching Resources
P.W. Atkins, J. De Paula, Physical Chemistry, Oxford University Press, 9th edition, or other editions, limited to the chapters concerning the treated topics. K. Denbigh, The Priciples of Chemical Equilibrium, Cambridge University Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination includes a preliminary written test, consisting in the resolution of problems of chemical thermodynamics, and an oral examination with the two teachers on the topics developed by each of them during the lectures. The students will be asked to demonstrate that they understood the fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics and are able to develop the thermodynamic equations, they know how to apply them logically and are able to discuss the results obtained in application to the various systems presented during the lectures.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Professors:
Gervasini Antonella, Selli Elena
Professor(s)
Reception:
On request by e-mail
Room R25S, B side of Chemistry Department