Course syllabus for Physical chemistry

The course syllabus contains changes
See changes

Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-06 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameFysikalisk kemi
  • CodeKFK163
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKBIO
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyBioengineering, Chemical Engineering
  • DepartmentCHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 48125
  • Maximum participants70
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0115 Laboratory 1.5 c
Grading: UG		1.5 c
0215 Examination 6 c
Grading: TH		6 c
  • 29 Okt 2024 am J
  • 07 Jan 2025 pm J
  • 20 Aug 2025 am J

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course.
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

General chemistry, multivariable calculus and linear algebra.

Aim

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the theoretical foundations of chemistry and, based on quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and classical thermodynamics, describe chemical bonding, molecular spectra, dynamic processes and thermodynamic properties. The course will also provide increased skills in experimental methodology and technical/scientific reporting.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • use basic physical models and quantum mechanical concepts to solve relevant problems concerning the properties and interactions of atoms and molecules
  • identify different spectroscopic processes and be able to calculate molecular properties from spectra, especially for diatomic molecules
  • calculate probabilities and thermodynamic quantities from the Boltzmann distribution and the canonical partition function
  • derive relationships for closed systems based on the laws of thermodynamics and use these to calculate state changes and physical as well as chemical equilibria, taking into account, where applicable, non-ideal effects
  • derive and analyze the rate equation of a chemical reaction from a given mechanism, be able to determine the reaction order and rate constant from experimental data and be able to estimate the rate constant from basic theory
  • perform basic laboratory measurements and be able to analyze, discuss and report the results from these

Content

The course begins with a review of basic quantum mechanics where concepts such as the Broglie wavelength, the Schrödinger equation, the wave function and the uncertainty relation are discussed. Three important model systems are described: the particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator and the rigid rotor. The solution to the hydrogen atom is presented and the structure of the periodic table is discussed. A description of the electron structure of molecules follows with a focus on diatomic molecules and the LCAO-MO method. Polyatomic conjugate systems are treated with the Hückel method. Intermolecular forces are discussed briefly. Analysis of vibration and rotation spectra (MW, IR) for primarily diatomic molecules is followed by a discussion of electronic spectra. Based on the quantum mechanically determined energy levels, a statistical mechanical description of thermodynamic relationships via the concept of the partition function then follows. The laws of thermodynamics are reviewed and used to derive relationships that are used to calculate state changes as well as physical and chemical equilibria. The course ends with kinetic gas theory, reaction kinetics and chemical reaction rate theory (the steady-state approximation, the Arrhenius equation, collision theory, diffusion-controlled reactions).

Organisation

Lectures, exercises, two compulsory hand-in assignments and three compulsory laboratory assignments:
  1. The temperature dependence of a gas reaction equilibrium
  2. Determination of the rate constant for the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and iodide
  3. Calculation of electronic structure (HyperChem)

Literature

Literature will be announced on the course web page before start of the course.

Examination including compulsory elements

Written exam (6 c) and approved hand-in assignments and laboratory work (1.5 c).

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.

The course syllabus contains changes

  • Changes to examination:
    • 2024-06-20: Location Location changed from Halls at Lindholmen to Johanneberg by Nikola Markovic
      [2024-10-29 6,0 hec, 0215]
  • Changes to course rounds:
    • 2024-06-20: Examinator Examinator changed from Nikola Markovic (nikola) to Marcus Wilhelmsson (mawi) by Viceprefekt
      [Course round 1]