Physical Chemistry II: Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics

Reference	CHCHEM00000004
Taught in	General Course List Third Year Bachelor of ChemistryGeneral Course List Third Year Bachelor of Chemistry
Theory	(A)	22.5
Exercises	(B)	36.0
Training and projects	(C)	0.0
Studytime	(D)	138.0
Studypoints	(E)	5
Level
Credit contract?	Access is determined after successful competences assessment
Examination contract?	This course can not be taken through an exam contract
Credit contract mandatory if Exam contract?	Separate credit contract mandatory
Retake possible?	Yes
Teaching Language	Dutch
Lecturer	Katrien Strubbe
Department	WE06
Co-lecturers

Key Words

Ionic solutions, electrode potential, electrochemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, rate of reaction, rate law, reaction mechanism

Position of the Course

This course in the third year Bachelor of chemistry contains two parts. The first part is the continuation of the course “Physical chemistry I” en discusses the thermodynamics of ionic solutions and equilibrium in the case ions are involved. In the second part the basic concepts of chemical kinetics are disussed. The course stimulates the creativity, critical sense and the capacity to reason and think logically. By means of seminars the skills of solving chemical problems are stimulated.

Contents

Molecular dipoles, di-electrical behaviour of matter
Arrhenius theory, Debye Hückel theory
Influence of ionic strength upon equilibria
Reversible electrodes, equilibrium potential of an electrochemical cell
Standard electrode potentials
Empirical chemical kinetics
Chemical kinetics and reaction mechanism, catalysis

Starting Competences

To have followed with success the course unit “Physical Chemsitry: thermodynamics”

Final Competences

To have insight into the fundamental concepts of chemical thermodynamics of electrolyte solutions and equilibrium electrochemistry.
To have insight in the conditions of equilibrium when ions are involved
To know the factors which determine the equilbrium potential at an electrode
To know the theories which explain the experimental behavior of electrolyte solutions
To know the basic concepts of chemical kinetics
To know and be able to discuss the theories used to explain reaction rates
To have insight in the different factors which determine the rate and the mechanism of a chemical reaction
To have insight in the relationship between reaction mechanism and rate equation
They know how to incorporate and evaluate experimental results concerning the rate of chemical reactions.

Teaching and Learning Material

Syllabus (Dutch)
Reference boek (English

References

"Atkins' Physical Chemistry", P. Atkins, J. De Paula, Oxford University Press, Oxford (2002)

Study Coaching

Seminars to develop the skills to solve chemical problems
Possibility for personal explanation by the lecturer or assistent (on appointment)
Interactive support by ELO

Teaching Methods

Oral presentations, seminars, practicals and ELO

Evaluation Methods

Periodic (end of 1st semester)
Non periodic: practical exercises

Examination Methods

Theory: Oral with written preparation, testing of knowledge and insight in the subject matter (see contents) (65 %)
Exercises: testing whether the concepts can be used for solving concrete problems (35 %)
Practical exercises: 5 %