electiveHQ

Physical chemistry is the study of the fundamental relationships that underpin the physical and chemical state of matter. Physical chemists aim to develop an understanding at the molecular and atomic level of how materials behave and how chemical reactions occur. In this course a number of key areas of physical chemistry will be expounded and their application to chemical systems explored. These will consider (a) the nature of energy change in a chemical reaction, (b) the extent to which a reaction is favoured and (c) the rate of chemical reactions. Initially the course will consider both the empirical origin, and the molecular theory, of the laws that govern behaviour of ideal gases. Next the exchange of chemical energy from a system to its surroundings in the form of heat and work flow will be explored through the study of the laws of thermodynamics. Through the study of thermochemistry the heat energy change for a chemical reaction will be probed. In addition, the role nature of chemical equilibria and the factors governing the drive to reactants and products will be studied. Finally the rates of reaction will be considered through the study of chemical kinetics. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mode of delivery, assessment and content of the module may be subject to change.