Download CCN2275 Physical Chemistry

July 2015
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Community College
Subject Description Form
Subject Code
CCN2275
Subject Title
Physical Chemistry
Level
2
Credit Value
3
Medium of
Instruction
English
Pre-requisite /
Co-requisite/
Exclusion
Nil
Objectives
This subject introduces fundamental knowledge and concepts in physical
chemistry for thermodynamics and kinetics, and shows some of the key
evidence which supports the concepts. This subject also introduces the
techniques for practical measurements of samples related to the topics of
thermodynamics and kinetics.
Intended Learning
Outcomes
Upon successfully completing this subject, students will be able to:
(a) deploy the knowledge learned for exploring the basic principles of
thermodynamics.
(b) demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of
reaction rate theories as well as their contemporary applications.
(c) perform basic physical chemistry experiments as well as evaluate,
analyse and interpret the effects of external conditions on the
experimental equilibrium.
(d) identify and solve problems in related areas of physical chemistry
and real-life examples.
Subject Synopsis/
Indicative Syllabus
Thermodynamics
System, states, state variables, state/path function, intensive/extensive
properties; 1st law: enthalpy of chemical reactions, heat and work,
internal energy, adiabatic changes, thermochemistry, calorimetry, the
Joule-Thomson effect; 2nd and 3rd laws: criteria for spontaneous change,
entropy, Gibbs free energy; Adiabatic, isothermal, isobaric and
reversible processes, Carnot cycle and heat engine, Nernst equation,
Gibbs energy function and equilibrium constants, phase rule, ClausiusClapeyron equation; Effect of change in state variables on some
state/path functions.
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July 2015
Kinetics
Rate laws, rate equations and rate constants, reaction mechanism and
elementary reactions; Rate determining steps; Reaction types: opposing
reactions, consecutive reactions, parallel reactions, chain reactions.
Reaction rate theories: collision and absolute rate theories, activation
energy, temperature dependence of reaction rates; Reaction approaching
equilibrium, equilibrium constants; Transition state theory, steady-state
approximation.
Laboratory Techniques
Perform basic physical chemistry laboratory techniques and operate
various instruments to solve problems on topics discussed and interpret
the data obtained.
Teaching/Learning
Methodology
This subject is composed of three parts: lectures, tutorials and laboratory
sessions. Lectures will focus on the introduction of thermodynamics,
reaction rate equations and theories, and some basic laboratory
techniques of physical chemistry. Real-life examples and references will
be given to students wherever appropriate. Tutorials will provide
students with opportunities to broaden, enlighten and reinforce the
general knowledge obtained in lectures. Problem-based activities,
classroom feedback, and discussions will be arranged in tutorials to
stimulate students’ interest or their awareness of the practical
implications of some concepts. Laboratory sessions may also be used to
enable students to understand, verify, and apply knowledge developed
from lectures via hands-on practice.
Assessment Methods
in Alignment with
Intended Learning
Outcomes
A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess
students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Specific assessment
methods/tasks
%
Intended subject learning
weighting outcomes to be assessed
a
b
c
d
Continuous Assessment*
50
 Test
25


 Assignment 1
12.5


 Group Assignment 1
12.5


Final Examination
50


Total
100



*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the
subject team subject to the approval of the College Programme
Committee.
To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in
both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.
2
July 2015
Student Study Effort
Expected
Class contact
Hours

Lecture
26

Tutorial
13

Laboratory
6
Other student study effort

Self-study
52

Continuous Assessment
36
Total student study effort
Reading List and
References
133
Recommended Textbook
Atkins, P. W., and De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. (9th ed.),
Oxford University Press.
References
Atkins, P. W., and De Paula, J. (2009). Elements of physical chemistry.
(5th ed.), Oxford University Press.
Engel, T., Reid, P. and Hehre, W. (2010). Physical chemistry. (2nd ed.),
Prentice Hall.
Halpern, A. M. and McBane, G. C. (2006). Experimental physical
chemistry: A laboratory textbook. (3rd ed.), W. H. Freeman and
Company.
3