Malkiat S. Johal
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Pomona College 

 

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Chemistry 158b – Physical Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

 

Instructors:  Lecture - Professor Johal

 

Course-related documents/links:

· Course Description and Syllabus

· Homework Exercises and Other Course Material

                                · Sample Examinations

 

 

Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics constitutes the second semester of the Pomona College physical chemistry sequence. This course is intended primarily for students whose academic area of concentration is chemistry or molecular biology. Usually chemistry majors take Physical Chemistry 158a (Quantum Mechanics and Introduction to Statistical Mechanics) in the Fall semester. These chemistry students have a firm background in molecular quantum mechanics giving them a molecular perspective on thermodynamics (158b). However, taking 158a before 158b does not necessarily put the student at an advantage. The two courses should be viewed separately, even though 158b will emphasize a molecular approach to thermodynamics. Those students intending to major in molecular biology are not required to take 158a. Relevant aspects of statistical mechanics are covered in 158b, which are then used to develop a molecular interpretation of classical thermodynamics. This course will cover the following areas: Partition functions and ideal/real gases, laws of thermodynamics, phase equilbria, solution thermodynamics (including regular solution theory), chemical equilbria, and chemical kinetics. Depending on available time, the course may include more specialized topics in reaction dynamics, surface chemistry and organized molecular systems.

 

The required textbook for this course is D. A. McQuarrie and J. D. Simon, Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach, University Science Books, 1997 (ISBN: 0-935702-99-7). Click on the textbook graphic for more information. The text will be supplemented by material on reserve and handouts. Chapters 16 to 30 will form the core component of the course. MathChapters G, H, I, and J are also relevant to the course. The student is encouraged to independently review these MathChapters during the first few weeks of the course. In particular, partial differentiation (MathChapter H) is relevant.

 

The course is taught in 5 Units and the schedule of the topics to be covered can be found in the syllabus. Classes will be taught every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00am to 10:50 am in the Seaver North Laboratory, classroom 111. Evaluation of this course is based on 4 mid-term exams and a comprehensive final exam. All mid-term exams will be closed book. Make-up examinations are only given to those who are on the official sick list unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor. Those who are absent without a valid excuse will receive a zero.  Each mid-term examination and the lecture portion of the final count 20%, and the comprehensive final will count the remaining 20%.

 

Chemistry 158b is a problem-solving course and success in the course depends on working on the homework assignments that are made each period.  Previous experience has shown that those who fail to do the homework or who procrastinate until the week before the examination do poorly on the examinations.  Budget up to 3 hours of study out of class for every hour spent in class.  A group effort on the homework is encouraged as long as all members of the group participate in the activity.  Your work will be checked as soon as possible by the student graders so that both you and the instructor will have an indication of your progress in the course.  Every effort will be made to return the corrected homework in class by the lecture period after it was submitted. Homework exercises and class attendance will be considered when evaluating students. Homework exercises will generally be issued on Monday, and due back to me on the following Monday. Throughout the course you will be required to do reading assignments. In particular, you will be required to work through the MathChapters in the textbook. It is imperative you keep up with these assignments so that you are always prepared for the material covered in class.

 

Course perquisites: Chemistry 1A,B or 51; Phys 51A,B; Math 31. Note: Chemistry 158a is not a prerequisite.

 

The required textbook is the only source of information you will need during this course. Textbook material will supplemented by handouts and papers. Other textbooks you may find useful include:

 

[1] Thomas Engel, Philip Reid, Thermodynamics, Statistical Thermodynamics, and Kinetics, Pearson Education Inc., 2006.

[2] Ken A. Dill, Sarina Bromberg, Molecular Driving Forces: Statistical Thermodynamics in Chemistry and Biology, Gartland Science, 2003.

[3] Peter Atkins, Julio De Paula, Physical Chemistry, Freeman, 2006.

[4] Hans Kuhn, Horst-Dieter Försterling, Principles of Physical Chemistry: Understanding Molecules, Molecular Assemblies, Supramolecular Machines, John Wiley & Sons, LTD, 2000.

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