Reference no: EM133038231

Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Equilibria

Provides the basis for a quantitative understanding of (i) the kinetic theory of gases (which is developed to consider the nature of liquids and solids); (ii) equilibria and the concepts of the equilibrium constant and of pH; (iii) energy changes in chemical reactions and the fundamental principles of thermodynamics; (iv) the rates of chemical reactions and the concepts of the rate determining step and the activation energy.

Knowledge:

a) explain the concept of dynamic equilibrium and define an equilibrium constant;
b) extend the concept to sparingly soluble salts and acid dissociation;
c) state Le Chatelier's principle;
d) describe Brønsted's theory of acids and bases and the concept of pH;
e) state the empirical laws of Gay-Lussac, Avogadro, Boyle and Charles, and their summary in the Ideal Gas Law; recognise Graham's law;
f) be aware of intermolecular forces and how these give rise to non-ideality in gases and liquids;
g) state Dalton's law of ideal mixtures; Raoult's law;
h) explain enthalpy changes and use Hess's law.

Understanding
a) calculate equilibrium constants from titration results;
b) manipulate the equation for an equilibrium constant to derive concentrations;
c) predict the effect of changes to a chemical system at equilibrium;
d) understand the principles of buffer solutions;
e) explain the concept of absolute zero and the Kelvin temperature scale;
f) discuss the assumptions in the Ideal Gas Law and describe the conditions under which it is valid, and use it to calculate gas properties;
g) calculate standard enthalpy changes and rate constants;
h) understand the factors that affect reaction rates and recognise an order of reaction.