Pre-requisite(s): CHEM2035 or CHEM3053 or NATS2004
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Syllabus
Thermodynamics: Thermodynamic relationships requiring the use of calculus, principally relating to the thermodynamic definitions and use of entropy; Statistical thermodynamics introduced by a detailed consideration of entropy; The Boltzmann equation for entropy is used as the starting point to develop an understanding of the effect of a given system configuration to the properties of the overall system; Boltzmann’s equation is developed from the point of view of maximising entropy subject to constraints; this leads to the definition of the partition function; The link between Boltzmann’s equation, entropy and Gibbs free energy is developed; The statistical perspective of equilibrium constants is explored using schematic representations of the occupancy of system levels and a specific relationship between equilibrium constant and partition function is identified.
Reaction Kinetics: The mechanisms of elementary reactions will be analysed in closer detail covering ideas of reaction dynamics and Transition State Theory. Gas and Liquid phase reactions will be compared, and complex reaction mechanisms analysed using the steady state assumption and numerical solutions in the context case studies of combustion and catalysis.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, problem classes, online video materials, case studies and laboratory sessions.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Summative online multiple-choice test, summative final exam, and laboratory marks. The latter are accumulated under the co-requisite lab module.
