Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Describe the thermodynamics of phase transitions, and of ideal gas and liquid mixtures, and how dilution affects melting and boiling points in mixtures.
• Calculate the equilibrium constants, standard Gibbs energy of reactions, and standard cell potentials for Galvanic cells.
• Apply the concept of thermodynamic equilibrium.
• Define the terms and determine the enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy change associated with a reaction.
• Calculate the pH for different solution mixtures involving strong and weak acids and bases.
• Explain basic principles including perfect gas behaviour, fundamental forces in chemistry, state functions, spontaneity of reactions, phase diagrams and titration curves.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Meet the learning outcomes of a co-requisite practical module.

Chemical thermodynamics: concepts of enthalphy, entropy and internal energy; first and second laws of thermodynamics; Hess cycles; use of energies of formation; definition and use of heat capacity; Gibbs energies and chemical potential; links to chemical equilbria; solution phase equilbria; activities and activity coefficients; effects of pressure and temperature on equilibrium constants; Le Chatelier’s principle; Henderson Hasselbach equation; exploration of equilibria, with emphasis on those important in aqueous acids and bases; electrochemical equilibria

Lectures, small group tutorials and laboratory sessions.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Open Book Exam

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.