Physical Chemistry

Recommended Prerequisites

Mathematical Analysis I and II; General Chemistry. English (level 3/B1).

Teaching Methods

The teaching is done in both  theoretical and practical sessions. The lectures are expository but also include examples and exercises where the knowledge acquired is applied. In the practical classes students are encouraged to solve problems either individually or working in group. The evaluation of the unit is made by final examination with a weight of 100%.

Learning Outcomes

The objective is directed to aspects linked to the calculation of thermodynamic properties of fluid phases in systems and study the energetics and kinetics of chemical reactions. The course is structured in three parts. In the first part - Thermophysical Properties, the calculation of the relevant thermodynamic properties such as internal energy, enthalpy and Gibbs free energy are approached. Reference is made to the calculation of the heat capacities of gases, liquids and solids. After the introduction of the phase diagrams of pure substances, Clapeyron equation is used to calculate the phase equilibrium diagrams of applications. In the second part the concepts already learned in the field of thermochemical and Chemical Equilibrium are widened. Finally CHEMICAL KINETICS is introduced with concepts linked to the rate of chemical reactions with particular attention to the determination of kinetic parameters such as rate constants and degrees.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

PART 1 Presentation of state equations Familyily.  (P, V, T) properties of a gas; Equation of state of perfect gas; Virial equation; VDW family equations of state. Corresponding states Principle (CSP) and examples of application of the CSP for the calculation of thermophysical properties. Definition, meaning and application of mechanical coefficients. 1st and 2nd principles of thermodynamics. State functions and fundamental relationships of thermodynamics. Heat capacities of liquids, solids and gas with applications- reference to estimation methods. Application of the Clausius Clapeyron 1st order transitions. PART 2. Study and application of the concepts related to thermochemistry in particular for the variation in enthalpy and Gibbs energy. Calculation of the equilibrium constant. PART 3. Understanding the fundamental concepts related to chemical reactions speed. Application of concepts to reactions of environmental interest.

Head Lecturer(s)

Arménio Coimbra Serra

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Lobo, L. Q.; Ferreira A. G. F. Termodinâmica e propriedades termofísicas, Volume 1, Termodinâmica das fases, IUC, Coimbra (2006).

Química-Física:Chang, R. Physical chemistry, University Science Books, Sausalito (2000);

Wedler, G. Manual de Química Física, ed. Fundação C. Gulbenkian, Lisboa (2001);

Atkins, P.; de Paula, J. Physical Chemistry, 7thed., Oxford Univ. Press, Oxford (2002).

Os textos de G. Wendler e de P. Atkins e J. de Paula são indicados para o estudo dos assuntos que se prendem com a TERMOQUÍMICA e com a CINÉTICA QUÍMICA.