Physical Chemistry Ii
A.Y. 2025/2026
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.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Atomic and Molecular Structure. Quantum Theory: Wave-Particle Duality; Schrödinger Equation; Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions; Uncertainty Principle. Quantum Treatment of Simple Systems: Particle in a Box, Free Particle, Tunneling Effect, Harmonic Oscillator. Atomic Structure: Hydrogen-like Atoms; Multi-electron Atoms. Molecular Structure. Molecular Orbital Theory: H2+ Ion; Homonuclear and Heteronuclear Diatomic Molecules; Molecular Orbitals of Polyatomic Molecules. Molecular Spectroscopy: Radiation-Matter Interaction. Rotational and Vibrational Spectroscopy.
Electrochemistry:
Basics of solid state physics. Semiconductors. Fundamentals on electrolyte solutions. Electrified interfaces. Thermodynamics of electrochemical cells: Energy of electrochemical cell reactions. Electrode potentials. Pourbaix Diagrams.Kinetics of electrochemical reactions: Phoenomena at the interfaces. Electron and charge transfers. Transport of mass and charge. Introduction to applied electrochemistry: primary and secondary batteries, corrosion, industrial electrochemistry
Electrochemistry:
Basics of solid state physics. Semiconductors. Fundamentals on electrolyte solutions. Electrified interfaces. Thermodynamics of electrochemical cells: Energy of electrochemical cell reactions. Electrode potentials. Pourbaix Diagrams.Kinetics of electrochemical reactions: Phoenomena at the interfaces. Electron and charge transfers. Transport of mass and charge. Introduction to applied electrochemistry: primary and secondary batteries, corrosion, industrial electrochemistry
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
- Allen J. Bard, Larry R. Faulkner, "Electrochemical Methods. Fundamentals and Applications", 2001, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd Edition
- Didactic material (slides and lecture notes) are available on myAriel
- Peter Atkins, Julio De Paula, Atkin's Physical Chemistry, Oxford University Press
- Allen J. Bard, Larry R. Faulkner, "Electrochemical Methods. Fundamentals and Applications", 2001, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd Edition
- Didactic material (slides and lecture notes) are available on myAriel
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.
The possibility of conducting ongoing tests, on a voluntary basis, will be evaluated.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Minguzzi Alessandro, Pieraccini Stefano
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
On appointment
Teacher's Office (Dipartimento di Chimica - Ground Floor -B Section) or on MS Teams