Physical Chemistry II and Laboratory 2Module Physical Chemistry II and laboratory (Module 2)
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: CARMELO LA ROSAExpected Learning Outcomes
The exam, integrated with module 1, aims to ascertain (a) the acquisition of the basic concepts of the course and the ability to connect them with each other and with laboratory experiments; (b) the ability to clearly expose concepts using scientific language appropriately, (c) the ability to use and quantitatively interpret experimental data by applying the concepts and methodologies acquired during the course.
The exam includes a pre-selective written test not preclusive, to evaluate the acquisition of the minimum basic concepts concerning the three sections of the program, and the ability to apply them to the resolution of simple problems, of a type similar to those taken during the course. It is not recommended to take the oral test if in the pre-selective test you have obtained a score below 15/30. The oral exam will focus both on the discussion of a laboratory experience and on the topics of the theoretical course. The final grade will take into account both the outcome of the oral exam and the laboratory reports.
Reports are required on all the experiences carried out in the laboratory, to be sent to the teacher electronically (in Word or pdf format) at least 15 days before the date chosen to take the exam.
Course Structure
The course will consist of
- Class lectures to introduce laboratory experiences
- Laboratory experiences
- PC exercises for the analysis and interpretation of experimental data
The course is co-taught with Prof A. Auditore.
Required Prerequisites
Knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Contents: Laboratory safety, Analysis and 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 iodination, Kinetics of ethyl acetate hydrolysis, Confirmation of the Stern-Volmer law, FT-IR spectra solid and liquid carbonylic compounds, Electronic absorption spectrum of iodine, Absorbance, Excitation and fluorescent spectra of Anthracene.
Textbook Information
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
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course introduction | P.W. Atkins, J.De Paula, Physical Chemistry. Slides. |
| 2 | Iodination kinetics of acetone. | P.W. Atkins, J.De Paula, Physical Chemistry. Slides. |
| 3 | Kinetics of ethyl acetate hydrolysis. | P.W. Atkins, J.De Paula, Physical Chemistry. Slides. |
| 4 | Verification of Stern-Volmer kinetics | Slides |
| 5 | FT-IR spectra of carbonyl compounds in solid and liquid phase. | D.A McQuarrie, J.D. Simon, Physical chemistry - A molecular approach. |
| 6 | Iodine electron spectrum. | D.A McQuarrie, J.D. Simon, Physical chemistry - A molecular approach. |
| 7 | Electronic spectrum of conjugated polyenes. | D.A McQuarrie, J.D. Simon, Physical chemistry - A molecular approach. |
| 8 | Absorption and fluorescence spectra of anthracene. | D.A McQuarrie, J.D. Simon, Physical chemistry - A molecular approach. |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- Describe the laboratory procedures for verifying Stern Volmer’s law.
- What is a permitted transition?
- Describe the trend of the absorption spectrum in the visible part of I2 and give reasons for this theoretically.