Physical Chemistry II and Laboratory 1

Module Physical Chemistry II and laboratory (Module 2)

The course's main objective is to provide 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 course contributes to the following transversal skills: 

Knowledge and understanding: develop the ability to reason inductively and deductively and the understanding of chemical bonding, molecular spectroscopy and chemical kinetics. 

Ability to apply knowledge: being able to apply the knowledge acquired to describe the electronic structure and geometry of molecules rationally; being able to study from a theoretical and experimental point of view the kinetics of chemical reactions. 

Judgment autonomy: develop the capacity for critical reasoning and be able to correlate theoretical models to the behavior of molecules.

Communication skills: being able to demonstrate the full understanding of matter with properties of language and scientific rigor. 

Learning Skills: Demonstrate that you have developed good learning and in-depth skills to understand chemical-physical phenomena and processes

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA:

To guarantee equal opportunities and compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory measures, according to the teaching objectives and specific needs.

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. R. Ruffino.

Knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Attendance is normally compulsory.

Partial or total justified exemptions from the frequency, in addition to those provided for by art. 27 of the Teaching Regulations of the University, may be recognized by the Council of Studies upon presentation of a reasoned request and recognized as such by the Council.

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.

• Physical Chemistry II 

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.

• D.A. McQuarrie, J.D. Simon - Physical Chemistry- A molecular approach - University Science Books
• G.K.Vemulapalli - Physical Chemistry - Prentice Hall
• P.W.Atkins, J. de Paula - Physical Chemistry – Oxford University Press
• P.W.Atkins, R.S.Friedman - Molecular quantum mechanics - Oxford University Press
• J.M. Hollas, Modern spectroscopy - Wiley
• Lecture notes and slides, and further didactic material directly supplied by the teacher.

• Module II

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

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.

- 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.