Course content

The course consists of a theoretical and a practical part.
The theoretical part covers the second law, chemical equilibrium, colligative properties, thermodynamics of mixtures, phase diagrams, basic electrochemistry. The laboratory course consists of projects in calorimtery, partial molar volum, phase equilibria and standard reduction potential. The students study properties that are lectured in the theory, calculates and evaluates thermodynamic data from their own measurements, and compares the results to results found in literature.

Learning outcome

After finishing the course, the student is expected to:
- Know the laws of thermodynamics and be able to explain how they are derived.
- Use these laws to calculate the heat and work produced in central processes in nature and engineering. Examples contain phase transitions, chemical and electrochemical energy conversion.
- Be able to define a partial molar property, and understand when these properties are relevant.
- Be able to describe central ways to measure partial molar properties (volume, enthalpy, chemical potential).
- Be able to evaluate measured properties, as they are obtained in the laboratory.
- Be able to describe the movement of ions and molecules.
- Know how to write a professional report from a laboratory project.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (4 hours), exercises (2 hours per week) and laboratory work (20 hours). The laboratory course and 50% of the exercises have to be approved before the final examination. Portfolio assessment is the basis for the grade in the course. The portfolio includes a final examination (70%) and laboratory course (30%). The results for the parts are given in %-scores, while the entire portfolio is assigned a letter grade. If there is a re-sit or extraordinary examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.

Recommended previous knowledge

Mathematics knowledge corresponding to MA0001 and MA0002 or TMA4100, TMA4105 and TMA4115. General chemistry and TKP4120.

Course materials

P.W. Atkins: Physical Chemistry, 6. ed., Oxford Univ. Press, Oxford, 1998.

K.S. Førland, T. Førland and Signe Kjelstrup: Projects in physical chemistry, Tapir Akademiske Forlag, 1991.

Credit reductions