Introductory description

This module is a self-contained and integrated introduction to chemical change:

The rate (kinetics) and energetics (thermodynamics) of chemical reactions are of central importance in all aspects of chemistry. By considering the energetics of a system it tells us if a process can happen, whilst the kinetics tell us how quickly. Many industrial processes rely on a thorough understanding of chemical change. This module will introduce the student to the fundamentals of chemical change at a level suitable for a Year 1 student. Case studies will be drawn from all branches of chemistry to illustrate the concepts developed, both in the lectures and in associated support teaching, and how understanding these concepts are important to the real world. This module will provide links to the modules in Year 1 and also help set the scene for topics covered in Year 2 and beyond.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The course will be broken down into 3 main topic areas, with 10 lectures devoted to each topic and 6 lectures delivered each week.

Introduction to course: Introduction to the inter-relationship between the energetics and rate of a chemical reaction via a simple reaction co-ordinate pathway

Energetics: Introduction to energy and units, how to make experimental measurements, first law of thermodynamics and conservation of energy (introduction to U, q and w). Ideal gas laws, kinetic theory of gases, enthalpy and heat capacity, spontaneity and entropy, liquid gas equilibrium and vapour pressure, phase diagrams and liquid mixtures, colligative properties, chemical reactions, extent of a reaction, equilibrium constant and link to thermodynamic parameters

Rates: Introduction to timescales of chemical reactions, difference between a rate constant and equilibrium constant, how to measure rates of reactions, case studies to illustrate what is meant by different reaction orders. How to calculate rate constants and half-life once a reaction order is known. Unit discussion, concept of pseudo order reactions, extracting kinetics from experimental data, complex reactions, steady-state approximation, importance of temperature, introduction to catalysis and enzyme kinetics, chain reactions

Solution Properties and Electrochemistry: Water and thermochemistry of ions in water, solution equilibria, pH, pKa, pKb, ideal and real solutions, partial molar quantities, activity versus concentration, thermodynamics and reaction kinetics of solution reactions, movement of ions and molecules in solution, transport controlled reactions. Redox systems, oxidation numbers, equilibria chemical reactions and link to electrode potential, thermodynamics of electrochemical processes, Nernst equation, introduction to biological redox systems, galvanic versus electrolytic systems (thermodynamic versus kinetic).

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Gain an understanding of the inter-relationship between a reaction co-ordinate, energy distance profile, the energetic feasibility of a reaction and the rate of a reaction
• Appreciate how to measure a thermodynamic quantity or the rate of reaction.
• Gain confidence in making quantitative calculations related to chemical change reactions with an appreciation for appropriate magnitudes and correct use of units
• Understand how to work with gases, liquids and solutions in the context of chemical change
• Understand why and how chemical change matters in the real world (examples drawn from across chemistry and industry)
• Appreciate the difference between an equilibrium constant and a rate constant when describing a chemical change process
• Understand the energetics behind electrochemical systems and importance in the real world
• Appreciate fundamental solution properties such as pH, activity

Indicative reading list

• Atkin’s Physical Chemistry
• Chemistry Student Guides on Thermodynamics and Kinetics should be released within the next 12 – 24 months which will help with the course
• Chemical Structure and Reactivity – Keeler / Wothers
• Electrode Potentials (Compton and Sanders)

Subject specific skills

Numeracy
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Time management and organization

Transferable skills

Numeracy
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Time management and organization