General Chemistry
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The General Chemistry course aims to introduce students to chemistry starting from the understanding of atomic theory up to chemical reactions.
In particular, the concepts that will be illustrated include the structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonds, gas laws, chemical reactions (acid-base, oxidation-reduction), chemical equilibrium, and basic concepts on thermodynamics. Particular attention is given to equilibria in solution, acid-base, hydrolysis, buffer and solubility product which are also treated from an experimental point of view in the laboratory training which allows students to approach the use of reagents, to perform simple qualitative test, reactions of titration, precipitation and separation. 16 hours are dedicated to the main calculation methodologies to solve stoichiometry problems and make them understand the importance of using theoretical notions in practical problems that they will face during their future work.
Therefore the fundamental objective of the course is to provide students with the tools to think about the properties of molecules and the chemical and physical transformations of matter.
In particular, the concepts that will be illustrated include the structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonds, gas laws, chemical reactions (acid-base, oxidation-reduction), chemical equilibrium, and basic concepts on thermodynamics. Particular attention is given to equilibria in solution, acid-base, hydrolysis, buffer and solubility product which are also treated from an experimental point of view in the laboratory training which allows students to approach the use of reagents, to perform simple qualitative test, reactions of titration, precipitation and separation. 16 hours are dedicated to the main calculation methodologies to solve stoichiometry problems and make them understand the importance of using theoretical notions in practical problems that they will face during their future work.
Therefore the fundamental objective of the course is to provide students with the tools to think about the properties of molecules and the chemical and physical transformations of matter.
Expected learning outcomes
The desired final learning outcomes will be to enable the student to: recognize chemical compounds and explain their physical properties in light of their structure, correctly write chemical formulas and reactions and identify their different types.
Students should be able to understand and confidently solve stoichiometry problems. At the end of the course they will be able to explain the topics covered during the course with adequate scientific language.
Students should be able to understand and confidently solve stoichiometry problems. At the end of the course they will be able to explain the topics covered during the course with adequate scientific language.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
In case of emergency the course will take place online on the teams channel and the teacher will carry out the lessons possibly using tablets to simulate the use of the blackboard.
Course syllabus
- Notes on mathematics, significant figures, units of measurement.
- What is chemistry. States of matter and its transformation. Homogeneous and heterogeneous solutions. Mole concept
-The atomic structure: subatomic particles and the first atomic models.
- Waves and their properties: the foundations of quantum theory.
- Notes on quantum mechanics: the concepts of probability and indeterminacy, the wave equation, quantum numbers.
- Electronic configuration and Pauli, Hund and minimum energy principles.
- Atomic orbitals.
- The periodic table of elements and periodic properties.
- The chemical bond: the ionic bond, the Lewis covalent bond, the Valence bond (molecular geometry, VSEPR, hybridization) and the metallic bond.
- Intermolecular bonds: hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole interactions, Van der Waals forces;
- Chemical compounds and nomenclature
- Gases and their laws.
- Solutions and their properties: units of concentration, density and minimum formulas
- Chemical equilibrium: the equilibrium constant, Le Chatelier's principle
- Aqueous solutions of acids, bases and salts, titrations and buffer solutions and hydrolysis
- Heterogeneous equilibria: poorly soluble compounds, solubility product and effect of the common ion
- Notes on thermochemistry and thermodynamics.
During the course, theory lessons will be accompanied by stoichiometry exercises.
- What is chemistry. States of matter and its transformation. Homogeneous and heterogeneous solutions. Mole concept
-The atomic structure: subatomic particles and the first atomic models.
- Waves and their properties: the foundations of quantum theory.
- Notes on quantum mechanics: the concepts of probability and indeterminacy, the wave equation, quantum numbers.
- Electronic configuration and Pauli, Hund and minimum energy principles.
- Atomic orbitals.
- The periodic table of elements and periodic properties.
- The chemical bond: the ionic bond, the Lewis covalent bond, the Valence bond (molecular geometry, VSEPR, hybridization) and the metallic bond.
- Intermolecular bonds: hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole interactions, Van der Waals forces;
- Chemical compounds and nomenclature
- Gases and their laws.
- Solutions and their properties: units of concentration, density and minimum formulas
- Chemical equilibrium: the equilibrium constant, Le Chatelier's principle
- Aqueous solutions of acids, bases and salts, titrations and buffer solutions and hydrolysis
- Heterogeneous equilibria: poorly soluble compounds, solubility product and effect of the common ion
- Notes on thermochemistry and thermodynamics.
During the course, theory lessons will be accompanied by stoichiometry exercises.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of basic mathematics and in particular of the use of first and second degree equations, logarithms and exponents and the meaning of derivatives and integrals. Furthermore, it is assumed that students are able to use basic programs to visualize data or make a graph with the necessary data available.
It is assumed that everyone has at least acquired the basics of chemistry such as the names and symbols of elements and the formula of simple compounds in high school.
It is assumed that everyone has at least acquired the basics of chemistry such as the names and symbols of elements and the formula of simple compounds in high school.
Teaching methods
All lessons are available on Ariel and are created with Power Point using videos and often making references to daily life. Small classroom experiments or visualization of 3D molecular models to explain molecules. Exercises in the classroom and at home to accompany theory with practice and teach the students to think analytically and logically.
Teaching Resources
Chemistry: A Molecular Approach by Nivaldo J. Tro
Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity 10th Edition
by John C. Kotz (Author), Paul M. Treichel (Author), John Townsend (Author), David Treichel
Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity 10th Edition
by John C. Kotz (Author), Paul M. Treichel (Author), John Townsend (Author), David Treichel
Assessment methods and Criteria
During the year, in addition to the planned exercises and the verification of the exercises left as homework, 3 homework will be carried out to verify the progress and learning of the students and possibly review certain topics. The homework will be corrected with the help of the students themselves in class, providing all the explanation necessary for understanding the tests.
CHIM/03 - GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - University credits: 8
Practicals: 16 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 32 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Single bench laboratory practical: 32 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
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