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CHM405Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Chemical Thermodynamics

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of chemical thermodynamics. It covers equations of state for gases, intermolecular forces, and the laws of thermodynamics. Key topics include internal energy, entropy, free energy, partial molar quantities, and chemical potential. The course also explores chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics of mixtures, and an introduction to statistical mechanics, providing a comprehensive understanding of energy transformations in chemical systems.

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60h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
ThermodynamicsEntropyEnthalpyEquilibriumStatistical Mechanics

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Equations of State

2

Intermolecular Forces

3

First Law of Thermodynamics

4

Thermochemistry

5

Second Law of Thermodynamics

6

Thermodynamic Potentials

7

Maxwell Equations

8

Thermodynamics of Mixtures

9

Statistical Thermodynamics

Total Topics9 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

General Chemistry

Calculus

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Chemical Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Process Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Materials Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Quality Control Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Chemical ManufacturingPetroleum RefiningPharmaceuticalsMaterials ScienceEnvironmental Engineering

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Equation of state

2h

Unit 1: Equation of state

2 study hours
  • Review Boyle's law, Charles' law, and Dalton's law.
  • Solve problems using the ideal gas equation.
  • Understand the implications of van der Waals equation.
Week
2

Module 1: Equation of state

2h

Unit 2: Intermolecular forces

2 study hours
  • Classify intermolecular forces based on different principles.
  • Understand the origin and effect of dipole forces.
  • Examine the different forms of London forces and their effects on molecules.
Week
3

Module 1: Equation of state

2h

Unit 3: Concepts in chemical thermodynamics

2 study hours
  • Define thermodynamic system, surrounding, and boundary.
  • Classify thermodynamic properties and state functions.
  • Understand reversible and irreversible processes.
Week
4

Module 2: First law of thermodynamics

2h

Unit 1: First law of thermodynamics

2 study hours
  • Understand the consequences of the first law of thermodynamics.
  • Calculate heat change at constant pressure and volume.
  • Solve problems on isothermal expansion of ideal and real gases.
Week
5

Module 2: First law of thermodynamics

2h

Unit 2: Thermochemistry

2 study hours
  • Understand thermochemical equations and standard enthalpy of reactions.
  • Apply laws of thermochemistry to solve problems.
  • Understand and apply the Born Haber cycle.
Week
6

Module 2: First law of thermodynamics

2h

Unit 3: Second law of thermodynamics

2 study hours
  • Understand the statements of the second law of thermodynamics.
  • Derive equations for entropy change of an ideal gas.
  • Analyze the Carnot cycle and calculate its efficiency.
Week
7

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: The Second law of thermodynamics

2 study hours
  • Discuss the zeroth and third laws of thermodynamics in detail.
  • Highlight the consequences of the laws.
  • Solve related problems.
Week
8

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Thermodynamic potentials

2 study hours
  • Derive equations for total differentiation of internal energy.
  • Derive equations for total differentiation of enthalpy.
  • Derive equations for total differential of Helmholtz energy and Gibb free energy.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: Maxwell equation

2 study hours
  • Derive Maxwell equations from first principles.
  • Apply Maxwell equations to solve chemical problems.
  • Understand the relationship between Maxwell's equation and Euler's test.
Week
10

Module 4:

2h

Unit 1: Feasibility of a chemical reaction

2 study hours
  • Analyze the concepts associated with the feasibility of a chemical reaction.
  • Understand the Gibbs-Duhem equation.
  • Examine phase equilibrium and colligative properties.
Week
11

Module 4:

2h

Unit 2: Thermodynamics of mixtures

2 study hours
  • Derive equations for thermodynamic functions of mixtures.
  • Understand equations for enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of mixtures.
  • Solve problems related to thermodynamics of mixtures.
Week
12

Module 4:

2h

Unit 3: Introduction to statistical thermodynamics

2 study hours
  • Understand properties of macroscopic state.
  • Learn the postulates of statistical thermodynamics.
  • Derive equations relating partition functions to thermodynamic functions.
Week
13

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • Review all modules and units.
  • Work on assignments and TMAs.
  • Prepare for final examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Thoroughly review all solved problems and examples in each unit.

2

Create flashcards for key definitions and equations.

3

Practice applying thermodynamic laws to different chemical reactions.

4

Focus on understanding the relationships between thermodynamic potentials.

5

Work through past examination papers to familiarize yourself with the question formats.

6

Create concept maps linking thermodynamic concepts and their applications.

7

Pay close attention to the units of measurement and ensure consistency in calculations.

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