Physical Chemistry 1

Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Applied Sciences

Credit Rating:

Level (including FHEQ):

F (FHEQ Level 4)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Version Valid From:

2021-09-01

Module Leader:

Lisa Gillie

Version Number

2024.02

Learning Methods

Practical Classes and Demonstrations

Supervised Time in Studio/Workshop

Guided Independent Study

Lecture

Professional Body Requirements

Royal Society of Chemistry

Synopsis

This module covers four areas of physical chemistry: Units, conversions and the properties of ideal and non-ideal gases, solution chemistry of acids, bases and salts, reaction kinetics, including catalysis and introductory thermodynamics.

Learning Strategy

Lectures will be used to deliver the majority of the material. Tutorials will be used to develop problem solving skills. Practicals allow students to gain experience in working safely and competently in the laboratory, as well as with others. The lab exercises are closely related to the theory covered in … For more content click the Read More button below.

Lectures will be used to deliver the majority of the material. Tutorials will be used to develop problem solving skills.

Practicals allow students to gain experience in working safely and competently in the laboratory, as well as with others.

The lab exercises are closely related to the theory covered in lectures and will help students further develop their understanding of the material as well as their skills in problem solving, application of numeracy and report writing.

Outline Syllabus

Units, quantities and symbols.Ideal gas law, gas mixtures, non-ideal gases, virial equations, van der Waal’s equation, critical temperatures and pressures, reduced quantities.Kinetic theory of ideal gases, including velocities, kinetic energy, collision frequencies and mean free path of atoms and molecules.First law of thermodynamics, functions of state, Hess’s law, bond energies, … For more content click the Read More button below.

Units, quantities and symbols.
Ideal gas law, gas mixtures, non-ideal gases, virial equations, van der Waal’s equation, critical temperatures and pressures, reduced quantities.
Kinetic theory of ideal gases, including velocities, kinetic energy, collision frequencies and mean free path of atoms and molecules.
First law of thermodynamics, functions of state, Hess’s law, bond energies, heat capacity, Kirchoff’s equation.
Acids, bases, salts, pH, pK, buffer solutions.
Kinetic rate equations, order of reaction, experimental methods, Arrhenius equation, molecularity, consecutive reactions.
History and current relevance of catalysis, examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, acid-base catalysis.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will

have a knowledge of the important theoretical concepts of each of the topics listed above.

know and be able to use a range of equations associated with the topics listed above,

be able to apply numeracy skills to solve quantitative problems in physical chemistry.

be able to qualitatively explain basic theories of physical chemistry.

be able to carry out associated practical work safely and effectively, and process and interpret the results.

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: In-Class Test

Assessment 2: Written assignment (coursework)

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Practical Skills Assessment - Lab

Assessment 2: In-Class Test

Assessment 3: Exam

Assessment Criteria

Students are expected to show good problem-solving skills, application of numeracy and the ability to clearly explain physical chemistry in the examination, tests and/or assignments. They should also demonstrate good laboratory skills, an ability to record important observations and clearly explain the results and discuss their significance.

Course and Module Catalogue