Physical Chemistry Ii

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
CHIM/02
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
Introduction to the structure of matter: quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure and deriving properties. Fundamentals of Electrochemistry: thermodynamic and kinetics. Primary and secondary cells and batteries. Electrolytic Processes.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will learn physical-chemistry basic concepts on the structure of matter at atomic and molecular level, by means of quantum mechanics. In parallel, she/he will acquire the fundamentals of electrochemistry and of the relevant devices and industrial processes.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Molecular and Atomic Structure:
- wave-particle duality; the Schroedinger equation; eigenvalues and eigenfunctions; the uncertainty principle
- a particle in a box, quantum mechanical tunnelling; energy levels, wavefunctions
- Atomic structure: hydrogenic atoms; many-electron atoms
- Molecular structure: Valence Bond and Molecular Orbital theories
- Molecular Spectrosopy: Radiation-matter interactions. Rotational, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy

Electrochemistry:
Basics of solid state physics. Fundamentals on electrolyte solutions. Electrified interfaces. Thermodynamics of electrochemical cells: Energy of electrochemical cell reactions. Electrode potentials. Electrolyte solutions. Pourbaix Diagrams.
Kinetics of electrochemical reactions: Phoenomena at the interfaces. Electron and charge transfers. Transport of mass and charge. Semiconductors. Introduction to applied electrochemistry: primary and secondary batteries, corrosion, industrial electrochemistr
Prerequisites for admission
Competences and knowledge on physical chemistry (thermodynamics and kinetics), on mathematical analysis and on basic physics (mechanics, optics and electromagnetism), as discussed in general mathematics and physics courses.
Teaching methods
Frontal lesson, with explanations supported by slide projection or directly on the blackboard. Practical or numerical examples will be used to help students in better understanding the concepts discussed in the course.
Teaching Resources
- Donald A. McQuarrie, "Quantum Chemistry", University Science Books, 2008
- Peter Atkins, Julio De Paula, Atkin's Physical Chemistry, Oxford University Press
- Christopher M. A. Brett, Ana Maria Oliveira Brett, "Electrochemistry: Principles, Methods, and Applications", Oxford University Press, 1994
- Allen J. Bard, Larry R. Faulkner, "Electrochemical Methods. Fundamentals and Applications", 2001, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd Edition
- Didactic material (slides and lecture notes) available on the MyAriel 2024/25 page
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral discussion that could include short exercises and interpretation of diagrams.
The possibility of conducting ongoing tests, on a voluntary basis, will be evaluated.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday to Friday
Teacher's office
Reception:
On appointment
Teacher's Office (Dipartimento di Chimica - Ground Floor -B Section) or on MS Teams