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CHM201

Physical Chemistry Ii

  • Sciences
  • 200 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 139 pages
  • 8 units

This course introduces students to essential aspects of physical chemistry, including the kinetic theory of gases, behavior of gases, and thermodynamics. Students will explore the laws of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and chemical kinetics. The course covers equations of state, gas laws, and the kinetic theory of gas. Thermodynamic principles, including entropy and free energy, are analyzed, along with reaction rates and mechanisms. Students will solve qualitative and quantitative problems related to these topics.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
120 hours
Maths
Intermediate
Content
Theoretical, problem solving
Practical work
No
Before you start
  • CHM101
  • MAT101
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

CHM201 · UNIT 3: The Second law of thermodynamics

This implies that relativistic and quantum mechanical effects are negligible and that the gas molecules can be treated as classical objects because the inter-particle distance is relatively larger than the thermal de Broglie wavelength (which justifies quantum mechanical treatment).

What you should be able to do

  1. Apply kinetic theory to calculate gas properties.
  2. Explain and use the laws of thermodynamics.
  3. Analyze phase equilibria and phase diagrams.
  4. Determine reaction rates and mechanisms.
  5. Solve problems related to gas behavior.
  6. Evaluate spontaneity of chemical reactions.
  7. Apply chemical kinetics to reaction analysis.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Process Chemist
  • Materials Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Quality Control Analyst
Where it is applied
  • Petrochemical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Manufacturing
  • Environmental Science
  • Research and Development

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2:

    Unit 3: The Second law of thermodynamics

    The concept of entropy and its implications for the spontaneity of reactions require a strong grasp of probability and statistical mechanics.

  • Module 3:

    Unit 1: Chemical kinetics

    The derivation and application of integrated rate laws for various reaction orders require a solid foundation in calculus and differential equations.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 104 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1:
    • Unit 1: Postulates of kinetic theory of gases · 8 hours

      Review postulates of kinetic theory.. Derive equation for gas pressure.. Solve problems related to kinetic theory..

  2. Week 2Module 1:
    • Unit 2: Behaviour of gases · 8 hours

      Study Boyle's, Charles', and Dalton's laws.. Apply ideal gas equation.. Understand Van der Waal equation..

  3. Week 3Module 1:
    • Unit 3: Phase equilibria · 8 hours

      Understand vapour pressure.. Study Raoult's law and deviations.. Apply phase rule in problem-solving..

  4. Week 4Model 2
    • Unit 1: Thermodynamics · 8 hours

      Define thermodynamic system, surrounding, and boundary.. Understand state functions and processes.. Study reversible and irreversible processes..

  5. Week 5Model 2
    • Unit 2: First law of thermodynamics · 8 hours

      Understand thermodynamic work.. Study heat change at constant pressure and volume.. Solve problems on isothermal expansion..

  6. Week 6Module 2:
    • Unit 3: The Second law of thermodynamics · 8 hours

      Study statements of second law of thermodynamics.. Derive equation for entropy change of an ideal gas.. Understand Carnot cycle..

  7. Week 7Module 2:
    • Unit 4: The Third and zeroth laws of thermodynamics · 8 hours

      Understand the third and zeroth laws of thermodynamics.. Study consequences of the laws.. Solve related problems..

  8. Week 8Module 3:
    • Unit 1: Chemical kinetics · 8 hours

      Derive integrated rate equations for zero-order reactions.. Solve problems related to zero-order reactions..

  9. Week 9Module 3:
    • Unit 1: Chemical kinetics · 8 hours

      Derive integrated rate equations for first-order reactions.. Solve problems related to first-order reactions..

  10. Week 10Module 3:
    • Unit 1: Chemical kinetics · 8 hours

      Derive integrated rate equations for second-order reactions.. Solve problems related to second-order reactions..

  11. Week 11Module 3:
    • Unit 1: Chemical kinetics · 8 hours

      Study effect of temperature on reaction rate.. Understand Arrhenius theory.. Solve related problems..

  12. Week 12Module 3:
    • Unit 1: Chemical kinetics · 8 hours

      Understand collision theory.. Study transition state theory.. Solve related problems..

  13. Week 13Module 3:
    • Unit 1: Chemical kinetics · 8 hours

      Study elementary reactions.. Understand molecularity of a reaction.. Study unimolecular reactions..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 thermodynamic concepts.
  • Practice solving quantitative problems from Units 2 and 6 weekly.
  • Review derivations of integrated rate laws from Unit 9.
  • Focus on understanding the assumptions behind each gas law (Units 1-2).
  • Memorize key equations and constants for quick recall during the exam.
  • Work through all example problems in the textbook and TMAs.
  • Prioritize understanding the underlying principles rather than rote memorization.

Questions students ask about this course

What is CHM201 about?

This course introduces students to essential aspects of physical chemistry, including the kinetic theory of gases, behavior of gases, and thermodynamics. Students will explore the laws of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and chemical kinetics. The course covers equations of state, gas laws, and the kinetic theory of gas. Thermodynamic principles, including entropy and free energy, are analyzed, along with reaction rates and mechanisms. Students will solve qualitative and quantitative problems related to these topics.

How many units does CHM201 have?

CHM201, Physical Chemistry Ii, has 8 units across 2 modules, over 139 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is CHM201?

CHM201 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Sciences.

Is CHM201 hard?

CHM201 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.

How long does CHM201 take to study?

About 120 hours of study, spread across its 8 units.

How is CHM201 assessed?

CHM201 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What do I need before starting CHM201?

CHM101 MAT101

What can I do with CHM201?

Chemical Engineer, Process Chemist, Materials Scientist, Research Scientist and Quality Control Analyst.

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