Download Chemistry 341

Yarmouk University
Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
CHEM 341 - Physical Chemistry
Meeting Times and Places

Lectures: 09:30 - 11:00 AM, Mondays and Wednesdays; Room Kh426 in
Khwarizmi Build.
Course Instructor: Dr. Yaser A. Yousef, (Phone: 2621; email: [email protected])
Office: 206 in Chem. Bldg. Office Hours: Sundays and Thursdays, 12:00-2:00 PM.
Research Labs: Laser lab, room No. 101 in Chem. Bldg and GC/MS lab No. 101 in
Earth Sci. Bldg.
Textbook and Reference Material

Textbook: Physical Chemistry by Laidler/Meiser Copies of this textbook
are available for purchase at the University Bookstore.

Reference Material:
General Nature of the Course
CHEM 341 is an introductory physical chemistry course that focuses largely on
the thermodynamic properties of chemical systems (under equilibrium conditions)
and on phenomenological descriptions of chemical reaction rate processes. The
material presented in the course assumes that students have a solid background
in general chemistry, a rudimentary knowledge of elementary physics, and a
familiarity with differential and integral calculus.
The first part of the course focuses on the basic concepts, principles, and laws of
classical thermodynamics, with emphasis on formulations and operational
definitions most relevant to chemical systems and chemical processes. These
concepts, principles, and laws are then applied to a variety of systems,
processes, and properties that are routinely encountered in studies of chemical
phenomena. Measurements of thermodynamic properties, characterization of
thermodynamic states, and physical and chemical transformation pathways
between thermodynamic states are illustrated and discussed. In CHEM 341, our
treatment of chemical thermodynamics will be confined largely to classical (or
phenomenological) formulations, which make no assumptions about the detailed
structural and energetic properties of the constituent molecules in the bulk
systems of interest.
Topical Outline
1. General introduction to physical chemistry
2. Chapter 1: The nature of physical chemistry and the kinetic theory of
gases, Gas laws, kinetic molecular theory of gases, Barometric
distribution law, Real gases, Equation of state.
3. Chapter 2: The first law of thermodynamics, States, state functions,
and reversibility, Energy heat and work, thermochemistry, Ideal gas
relationships, real gases and the Joule-Thomson experiment.
4. Chapter 3: The second and third law of thermodynamics, The carnot
cycle, Calculations of entropy changes, third law of thermodynamics,
Thermodynamic relationships, Gibbs-Helmholtz equation, Rfrigeration
and heat pumps.
5. Chapter 4: Chemical equilibrium, Chemical equilibrium involving ideal
gases, Chemical equilibrium in solution, Coupling of reactions,
Temperature dependence of equilibrium constants, Pressure
dependence of equilibrium constants.
6. Chapter 5: Phases and solutions, Phase recognition, Vaporization and
vapor pressure, classification of transition in single-component system,
Raoult’s and Henry’s laws, partial molar quantities, colligative
properties.
7. Chapter 6: Phase equilibria, Equilibrium between phases, Binary
systems involving vapor, Condensed binary systems, Ternary systems.
Problem Solving Exercises
Essential to 'learning' physical chemistry are problem-solving exercises that
illustrate connections between theory and experimental observation and
measurement. In some cases, these exercises require applications of theoretical
concepts and mathematically formulated relationships and models to the analysis
and interpretation of experimental data. In other cases, they require the use of
theory and calculations to predict the properties and behavior of systems not yet
subjected to experimental study, or to predict the outcome of experiments being
planned. Working problems in physical chemistry nearly always involves a
combination of qualitative reasoning and quantitative calculations, and in many
cases an essential part of the problem solving involves finding (or deriving)
mathematical relationships appropriate for use in carrying out the calculations of
interest. One of the characteristic features of physical chemistry is the extensive
use of mathematics and mathematically formulated models to codify and relate in
succinct, compact terms the findings obtained from multiple experimental
observations and measurements, to express in explicit functional form the
interdependencies of various physical and chemical properties (for static systems
and for systems undergoing physical or chemical changes), and in some cases
to show connections between the microscopic and macroscopic properties of a
system. One cannot 'learn' physical chemistry without developing some
understanding of, and a facility for using, its mathematical models and
formulations. Problem-solving exercises provide the best means for doing that.
The textbook for this course includes many illustrations of problem solving and
many examples of worked problems in each chapter. It also gives extensive sets
of exercises and problems (at the ends of chapters) that may be used to practice
your problem-solving skills and, in the course of doing that, also enhance your
understanding of physical chemistry. You are encouraged to work as many of
these exercises and problems as you can find the time to do. A subset of
exercises and problems (chosen from among those not worked out in the
Student's Solution Manual) may be assigned as out-of-class work to be handed
in and graded.
Graded Work
in-class exams (two)  50%
final exam  50%
(Some small adjustments to these weightings might become necessary, in which
case I will let you know long before the semester ends.)
Exam Schedule

Exam 1 -- Wed, 19 March, Lecture Time

Exam 2 -- Wed, 26 April, Lecture Time

Final Exam – According to schedual.
Good Luck