General Chemistry

Recommended Prerequisites

Physics and Chemistry A (High School). 

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes comprising detailed exposition, using audiovisual media, of basic concepts of atomic-molecular structure and chemical changes, set out in the course syllabus.

Theoretical-practical classes, focusing specific points and practical applications of the basic concepts covered in theoretical classes. Under the teachers´ guidance, students will solve exercises on each lectured theme.

A total of 14 hours of laboratory practice will allow the students to contact directly with chemical experiments related to the subjects treated in the theoretical and theoretical-practical classes.  

Learning Outcomes

Promote basic training in chemistry to disciplines downstream in the course and for future activity of the engineer, through the review, extension and application of fundamental concepts both on atomic-molecular structure and chemical transformations, in an interactive way. Introduction to the chemistry of materials with particular focus on those mostly used in buildings.

It is intended that students develop skills regarding the interpretation and prediction of macroscopic phenomena (properties and transformations of materials), in the light of the atomic-molecular structure of matter.     

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Solids, liquids, gases: structure and properties

Structural units: atom, molecule, ion.

Periodic classification of elements. Electronegativity. Atomic and ionic radii. Ionization energy.

Chemical bonding: covalent, ionic, metallic. Binding energy. Energy network.

Change in physical state: intermolecular interactions.

Gas laws. Ideal gas equation. Kinetic-molecular theory. Real gases.

Properties of liquids: surface tension, capillarity, viscosity.

Amorphous and crystalline solids: unit cells, packing. Types of crystals.

2. Chemical reactions: transformations

Stoichiometric calculations and yield of reactions

Conversions and exchanges of energy

Entropy changes and spontaneity

The rates of chemical reactions

Chemical equilibrium

Reactions of acids and bases

Reactions of poorly soluble salts

Reactions of oxidation-reduction

3. Materials chemistry

Metallic materials

Organic compounds. Polymeric materials

Ceramic materials. Glasses. Cements

Composite materials.

Head Lecturer(s)

Carlos Alberto Lourenço de Serpa Soares

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 15.0%
Mini Tests: 15.0%
Frequency: 70.0%

Bibliography

“Química”, R. Chang & K.A. Goldsby, 2013 (Ed. McGraw Hill, 11ª edição): Livro de texto de referência

“Química Geral: Conceitos Essenciais”, R. Chang (Ed. McGraw Hill, 4ª edição)

“Química, Princípios e Aplicações”, Reger, Goode, Mercer (Ed. F. Gulbenkian)

“Chemical Principles”, P.  Atkins & L. Jones (Ed. W.H.Freeman)

“Chemistry”, S.S. Zumdahl (Ed. Houghton Miffin)

“Princípios de Engenharia Ciência dos Materiais”, W.F.Smith & J. Hashemi (Ed. McGraw Hill, 5ª edição)