Physical Chemistry I Laboratory

A.Y. 2022/2023
6
Max ECTS
72
Overall hours
SSD
CHIM/02
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The goal of the course is to combine the most significant aspects of chemical thermodynamics with didactic experiments, performed by the students in the laboratory.
Expected learning outcomes
The student becomes familiar with the principles underlying the spontaneous direction of chemical reactions; by experimental measurements he verifies the validity of thermodynamic laws. The student learns further how to treat a series of experimental data and how to prepare a report containing graphs and numerical elaborations. He will be able to work in team with his/her collegues.
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

Corso A

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The properties of gases. The kinetic theory of gases. The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Real gases. The First Law. Work and heat. Thermochemistry. Heat capacity. The Second Law. Entropy changes of specific processes. The Third Law. Heat engines. The Helmholtz and Gibbs energies. The Gibbs-Helmholtz equation. The chemical potential. The thermodynamic description of mixtures. The Gibbs-Duhem equation. Colligative properties. Physical transformation of pure substances. Phase stability and phase transitions. The Clapeyron e Clausius-Clapeyron equations. Chemical equilibrium. The response of equilibria to pressure and temperature. The van't Hoff equation.
During the Experimental Laboratory physico-chemical parameters are determined (ΔU, ΔH, equilibrium constants) through the elaboration of different measurements (calorimetry, spectrophotometry, conductivity, vapor tension) on the grounds of thermodynamic relations.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics. In detail: infinitesimal calculus, with particular regard to derivation rules and related properties of derivatives, definite integrals, differentials. These contents are available in the basic mathematics and physics courses of the Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry at the Università degli Studi di Milano.
Teaching methods
Classroom lessons and laboratory experiments
Teaching Resources
- P. W. Atkins, J. de Paula - Physical Chemistry - 9th ed. (2011) or subsequent, Oxford University Press.
- Teaching material provided by the instructor.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will verify that the students have understood the fundamental laws of equilibrium chemical thermodynamics and that they know how to apply such laws to solve practical problems of chemical thermodynamics. Students' ability to write a technical report will also be assessed, which will focus on practical laboratory experiences.

The evaluation process consists of two parts:

(i) Technical report, the evaluation of which is expressed out of thirty and weighs 30% for the purpose of determining the final grade.

(ii) Final exam, the evaluation of which is expressed out of thirty and weighs 70% for the purpose of determining the final grade. The final exam in turn consists of a written and an oral test. In the written part, students will be asked to solve numerical exercises and / or multiple choice tests in chemical thermodynamics, aimed at verifying their applicative skills for problem solving. During the oral test, their theoretical knowledge of basic thermodynamics will be verified. The exam grade (written + oral) is given by the corresponding average [(written grade + oral grade)/2].

In both parts of the exam, passing is achieved with a score of no less than 18/30. Exceptional results will be awarded with an honorable mention (30/30 cum laude).
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 48 hours
Lessons: 24 hours

Corso B

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The properties of gases. The kinetic theory of gases. The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Real gases. The First Law. Work and heat. Thermochemistry. Heat capacity. The Second Law. Entropy changes of specific processes. The Third Law. Heat engines. The Helmholtz and Gibbs energies. The Gibbs-Helmholtz equation. The chemical potential. The thermodynamic description of mixtures. The Gibbs-Duhem equation. Colligative properties. Physical transformation of pure substances. Phase stability and phase transitions. The Clapeyron e Clausius-Clapeyron equations. Chemical equilibrium. The response of equilibria to pressure and temperature. The van't Hoff equation.
During the Experimental Laboratory physico-chemical parameters are determined (ΔU, ΔH, equilibrium constants) through the elaboration of different measurements (calorimetry, spectrophotometry, conductivity, vapor tension) on the grounds of thermodynamic relations.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics. In detail: infinitesimal calculus, with particular regard to derivation rules and related properties of derivatives, definite integrals, differentials. These contents are available in the basic mathematics and physics courses of the Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry at the Università degli Studi di Milano.
Teaching methods
Classroom lessons and laboratory experiments
Teaching Resources
- P. W. Atkins, J. de Paula - Physical Chemistry - 9th ed. (2011) or subsequent, Oxford University Press.
- Teaching material provided by the instructor (lesson slides)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will verify that the students have understood the fundamental laws of equilibrium chemical thermodynamics and that they know how to apply such laws to solve practical problems of chemical thermodynamics. Students' ability to write a technical report will also be assessed, which will focus on practical laboratory experiences.

The evaluation process consists of two parts:

(i) Technical report, the evaluation of which is expressed out of thirty and weighs 30% for the purpose of determining the final grade.

(ii) Final exam, the evaluation of which is expressed out of thirty and weighs 70% for the purpose of determining the final grade. The final exam in turn consists of a written and an oral test. In the written part, students will be asked to solve numerical exercises and / or multiple choice tests in chemical thermodynamics, aimed at verifying their applicative skills for problem solving. During the oral test, their theoretical knowledge of basic thermodynamics will be verified. The exam grade (written + oral) is given by the corresponding average [(written grade + oral grade)/2].

In both parts of the exam, passing is achieved with a score of no less than 18/30. Exceptional results will be awarded with an honorable mention (30/30 cum laude).
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 48 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor: Lo Presti Leonardo
Professor(s)
Reception:
To be arrenged
Personal Office (3112, Dept of Chemistry, Third floor, Western Section)
Reception:
To be arranged by e-mail
Prof. Lo Presti Office R21S, Dept. of Chemistry, Ground Floor, South Section