The course is aimed to provide students with the basic physico-chemical knowledge necessary for the understanding of chemical bond, molecular spectroscopy and chemical kinetics. At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the basic principles of quantum-mechanical and spectroscopic methods and their applications to the determination of electronic and geometric structure of molecules. Also, he will know the basics of chemical kinetics and the main methodologies for the theoretical and experimental study of chemical reactions.
The course's main objective is to provide to the student with specific knowledge in the field of Physical Chemistry
In particular, the student is expected to develop base theoretical knowledge in Physical Chemistry and to be able to apply it practically. This goal will be obtained via various laboratory experiences.
The couse consiste of classes and class exercises.
Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely (due to the Covid-19 emergency), it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
Learning assessment
The final exam, integrated with the laboratory exam (module 2), will assess (a) the acquisition of the basic concepts of the course and the ability to relate them to each other and to the experiences carried out in the laboratory; (b) the ability to clearly present the knowledge acquired, using appropriate scientific language; (c) the ability to use and quantitatively interpret the experimental data by applying the concepts and methods learned during the course.
The exam includes pre-selection, consisting of a written test aimed to evaluate the acquisition of the minimum skills concerning the three sections of the program, and the ability to apply them to the resolution of simple problems, similar to those proposed during the course. Il will be followed by an oral exam, that will focus both on the discussion of a laboratory experience and on topics of the theoretical course.
Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it. In such evenience the written test will be skipped but at the beginning of the oral exam the student will be asked to perform some numerical exercises of the same type as those usually proposed in the written test.
The course will consist of
- Class lectures to introduce laboratory experiences
- Laboratory experiences
- PC exercises for the analysis and the interpretation of experimental data
I – The quantum description of atoms and molecules
II – Radiation-matter interaction and molecular spectroscopy
III - Chemical kinetics
Contents: Laboratory safety, Analysis ad interpretation of experimental data (some knowledge of error theory will be also provided), Chemical kinetics, Introduction to spectroscopy, Introduction to thermodynamics of surfaces and interfaces
Laboratory experiences: Kinetics of acetone ioduration, Kinetics of ethyl acetate hydrolysis, Confirmation of the Stern-Volmer law, FT-IR spectra solid and liquid carbonylic compounds, Electronic absorption spectrum of iodine, Calculation of surface free energy, Langmuir Isotherms
The student is free to use, in alternative or in addition to the proposed textbooks, any other textbook (university level) of physical chemistry and molecular spectroscopy.
The student is free to use, in alternative or in addition to the proposed textbooks, any other textbook (university level) of physical chemistry and molecular spectroscopy.
1. Notes and Slides from Lectures
2. Physical Chemistry, by Julio De Paula and Peter Atkins
3. Introduction to Error Analysis, by J.R.Taylor