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:

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

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.