CHEM 361
Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry (3 hrs)

Course Goals and Objectives:

Provide a general introduction to physical chemistry suitable for students in a variety of majors (chemistry, biochemistry, polymers & coatings). This should serve as sufficient background for those taking additional physical chemistry and also serve as an overview for those not taking any more physical chemistry.

Emphasis is upon understanding where the equations and theory described in earlier chemistry courses (e.g., general chemistry) comes from and the limitations upon the accuracy of these equations. Thus, students are expected to be able to derive important equations and recognize the assumptions or approximations that went into their development.

Conceptual understanding of the equations and theory is also highly emphasized. Calculational proficiency is assumed.

Topical Outline:

I. Gases

II. First Law of Thermodynamics, Heat, Work, and Enthalpy

III. Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics and Entropy

IV. Free Energy and Chemical Potential

V. Phase Equilibria and Colligative Properties

VI. Activities and Chemical Equilibrium

VII. Introduction to Quantum Theory

VIII. Particle-in-a-Box and the 1D-Harmonic Oscillator

IX. Atomic Structure and Spectra

X. Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Mechanisms

Assessment/Evaluation Procedures:

Several written exams are given each term. Typically, these exams consist of a mix of formula/definition regurgitation, derivations, short answer questions, and numerical problems.

A cumulative multiple choice exam is given at the end of the semester.
The exam is basically the same from semester to semester and so the grades are normed based upon historical performance.

Homework is often turned in to be graded.

A straight scale is used in assigning grades.

Typical grading scheme:

60% exams 30% final 10% homework

88-100 A 86-88 A- 82-86 B+ 76-82 B

73-76 B- 69-73 C+ 63-69 C 60-63 C-

57-60 D+ 52-58 D 50-52 D- below 50 E