2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
CHEM2350 Foundations of Physical Chemistry
20 creditsClass Size: 200
Module manager: Dr G Reid
Email: G.D.Reid@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
Level 1 in Chemistry or equivalentModule replaces
CHEM2130 Chemical and Statistical ThermodynamicsCHEM2140 Reaction KineticsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This course covers the theoretical foundations of physical chemistry: quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, thermodynamics and chemical kinetics.Objectives
To provide students with an underpinning understanding of the theoretical foundations of physical chemistry through a study of quantum mechanics, molecular spectroscopy, thermodynamics and chemical kinetics.Learning outcomes
- demonstrate an understanding of both the possibilities for and the rates of chemical and physical change, and of the quantum mechanical, thermodynamic and kinetic concepts that are most relevant for chemists;
- understand the role of quantum mechanics in chemistry and how energy is stored and distributed in atoms and molecules;
- understand the connection between quantum mechanics and the absorption and emission of light by atoms and molecules
- understand the relationship between kinetics and thermodynamics;
- analyse the kinetics of elementary and complex reactions and use kinetic information to understand the mechanisms of chemical reactions;
- understand the use of chemical potential as a general criterion for phase and chemical equilibrium and be able to calculate the composition of equilibrium mixtures under ideal and non-ideal thermodynamic conditions.
Syllabus
Quantum phenomena: wave-particle duality, quantisation, tunneling. Postulates of quantum mechanics. Observables, measurement, and uncertainty. Correspondence principle. Time-independent Schroedinger equation. Motion in one or several dimensions (translational, vibrational, rotational, electronic, over or across potential energy barriers). Basic models: square potentials, harmonic oscillator, rigid rotor, hydrogenic atoms.
Transitions between molecular states. Molecular rotational, vibrational, and electronic transitions. Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Anharmonic oscillators. Transition dipole moments. Franck Condon principle. Absorption and emission of light.
The links between kinetics and equilibria. Experimental methods to study kinetics, in particular for fast reactions. Theories of bimolecular reactions: collision theory and transition state theory. Pressure dependence of unimolecular and recombination reactions. Kinetics of reactions in solution. Kinetics of complex reactions: Chain reactions, polymerisation, explosions and enzyme reactions.
The chemical potential and the criteria for chemical and phase equilibria. Ideal and non-ideal systems, activity coefficients, solutes and solvent conventions. Chemical equilibrium, calculation of yields. Phase equilibrium, Clausius-Clapeyron. Colligative properties, osmotic pressure.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Group learning | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Lecture | 40 | 1.00 | 40.00 |
| Tutorial | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Private study hours | 136.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 64.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
80 hours - reading (2 hours per lecture)20 hours - computer-based learning
16 hours - tutorial preparation
20 hours - preparation for the examination
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Assessed work for tutorials.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Tutorial Performance | Assessed tutorial work | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 35.00 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 35.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 20/04/2017
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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