Catalog Description: Studies of the kinetic theory and properties of gases, molecular energies, the laws of thermodynamics, free energy and chemical equilibria, phase equilibria, ideal and real solutions, colligative properties, electrochemistry, rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions, collision theory, photochemistry, and catalysis.

Prerequisites: CHEM 114 and 114L, MATH 231, and PHYS 251 and 251L; inorganic nomenclature proficiency test.

Corequisite: CHEM 351L.

Offered in the Fall semester. One semester; three credits.

Prerequisites by Topic: Elementary kinetic-molecular gas theory, the ideal gas law, thermochemistry, elementary solution theory (including colligative properties), equilibrium, elementary thermodynamics (including the Gibbs-Helmholtz equation), chemical kinetics (including integral reaction orders), evaluation of proposed reaction mechanisms, oxidation and reduction, electrochemical cells; integration and differentiation, solving second-order linear differential equations; concepts of kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, and momentum; electric fields, voltage, current, and resistance.

Goals: This course (along with CHEM 352) is designed to bring together many of the concepts previously learned in a variety of chemistry, physics, and math courses, while synthesizing many new ideas and insights into the workings of the physical universe. From a practical standpoint, Physical Chemistry should prepare students for a number of subsequent courses. Another goal is to demonstrate the subtleties of the scientific method, particularly the manner in which existing theories are refined. It is also hoped that students will further develop their ability to reason analytically and to assimilate and understand a body of scientific knowledge.

Textbook: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (3rd Edition) by Keith J. Laidler and John H. Meiser; Houghton Mifflin Company, 1999.

Nature of Physical Chemistry and the Kinetic Theory of Gases

The First Law of Thermodynamics

The Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics

Chemical Equilibrium

Phases and Solutions

Phase Equilibria

Solutions of Electrolytes

Electrochemical Cells

Kinetics of Chemical Reactions

Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions

Attendance and punctuality are required.

Five tests and a comprehensive final examination will be administered.