Physical Chemistry I
A.Y. 2024/2025
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
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The properties of gases: perfect gases and their mixtures, real gases, and state equations.
The first, the second, and the third law of thermodynamics: work, internal energy, heat, enthalpy, entropy, the Helmholtz and Gibbs energies, the fundamental equation, and 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 of binary systems. Raoult's and Henry's law. Properties of perfect ideal, diluted ideal and real liquid solutions. Activity coefficient.
Thermochemistry: standard enthalpy variations, standard enthalpies of formation, temperature dependence, calorimetric measurements. of solutions: ideal solutions, Raoult's and Henry's laws, colligative properties for ideal solutions; non-ideal solutions, activities, activity coefficients and their determination.
Reaction equilibria: equilibrium constant for reactions in the gaseous phase and in liquid solution; dependence of the equilibrium constant on temperature, equilibrium reactions in heterogeneous phase and simultaneous and independent equilibrium reactions.
Numerical solution of chemical thermodynamics problems.
The first, the second, and the third law of thermodynamics: work, internal energy, heat, enthalpy, entropy, the Helmholtz and Gibbs energies, the fundamental equation, and 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 of binary systems. Raoult's and Henry's law. Properties of perfect ideal, diluted ideal and real liquid solutions. Activity coefficient.
Thermochemistry: standard enthalpy variations, standard enthalpies of formation, temperature dependence, calorimetric measurements. of solutions: ideal solutions, Raoult's and Henry's laws, colligative properties for ideal solutions; non-ideal solutions, activities, activity coefficients and their determination.
Reaction equilibria: equilibrium constant for reactions in the gaseous phase and in liquid solution; dependence of the equilibrium constant on temperature, equilibrium reactions in heterogeneous phase and simultaneous and independent equilibrium reactions.
Numerical solution of chemical thermodynamics problems.
Prerequisites for admission
Mathematics, knowledge of the fundamentals of differential and integral calculus.
Knowledge of the basic concepts of chemistry, and stoichiometry of chemical reactions.
These prerequisites are acquired by passing the exams of the first year of the degree course in Industrial Chemistry (Istituzioni di Matematiche and Chimica Generale e Inorganica) or equivalent courses of other scientific degree courses,
Knowledge of the basic concepts of chemistry, and stoichiometry of chemical reactions.
These prerequisites are acquired by passing the exams of the first year of the degree course in Industrial Chemistry (Istituzioni di Matematiche and Chimica Generale e Inorganica) or equivalent courses of other scientific degree courses,
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons (6 CFU: 48 hours of frontal lessons divided into two Modules A and B) with the aid of projections and/or "classic" blackboard for further explanations which will be carried out at the request of the students.
Attendance at lessons is recommended.
Attendance at lessons is recommended.
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.
K. Denbigh, The Priciples of Chemical Equilibrium, Cambridge University Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam includes a preliminary written test consisting of the resolution of chemical thermodynamics problems; the exam is evaluated out of thirty.
Passing the written exam allows access to the interview with the two teachers. The interview covers the entire program covered by both teachers during the lessons (Modules A and B). The final grade of the exam is expressed in thirtieths and takes into account the grade obtained in the written test.
At the end of the Module A and Module B programs, ongoing written tests are carried out which involve the resolution of numerical exercises relating to the program carried out. Passing BOTH ongoing tests, with a mark expressed out of thirty, allows direct access to the exam interview.
During the interview, students will be asked to demonstrate that they have understood the fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics; that they can develop the thermodynamic equations, that they know how to apply them logically, and that they know how to argue the results obtained in application to different illustrated systems. in teaching.
Passing the written exam allows access to the interview with the two teachers. The interview covers the entire program covered by both teachers during the lessons (Modules A and B). The final grade of the exam is expressed in thirtieths and takes into account the grade obtained in the written test.
At the end of the Module A and Module B programs, ongoing written tests are carried out which involve the resolution of numerical exercises relating to the program carried out. Passing BOTH ongoing tests, with a mark expressed out of thirty, allows direct access to the exam interview.
During the interview, students will be asked to demonstrate that they have understood the fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics; that they can develop the thermodynamic equations, that they know how to apply them logically, and that they know how to argue the results obtained in application to different illustrated systems. in teaching.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 8 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Professors:
Chiarello Gian Luca, Gervasini Antonella
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
On request by e-mail
Room R25S, B side of Chemistry Department