Chemistry

Phases, Change and Rates

Module code: F1046
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Laboratory, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework, Unseen examination

The aim of this module is to describe more advanced applications of equilibrium thermodynamics, describing evens such as phase transitions, thermodynamics of mixing and properties of other forms of matter such as quasi-crystals and liquid crystal phases.

Combined with this is more detailed chemical kinetics in which reactions are explained in terms of simple collision theory. These ideas are then extended to more detailed collision theory models, transition state theory and the temperature dependence of rates of reactions.

Basic statistical mechanics are used to explain the link between populations of states and their thermodynamic properties.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of phase equilibria
• Demonstrate an understanding of the calculation of thermodynamic properties of phase changes
• Demonstrate a thermodynamic understanding of ideal and non-ideal solutions
• Knowledge and critical understanding of chemical kinetics