CHM2616

Physical and inorganic chemistry

Dr Ray Mayes

8 points - First semester - Second year - 4 hours of lectures and 4 hours practical work per week - Gippsland/Distance - Prerequisites: CHM1022 and PHS1616 - Prohibitions: GAS2251, GAS2252 - Note: Distance education students complete laboratory exercises at a compulsory residential school during semester

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students will be able to understand the basic thermodynamic principles which govern chemical reactions and changes of state; describe the electronic configurations of atoms using four quantum numbers and understand the relationships between atomic orbitals and their energy levels in their atomic spectra; appreciate the relations between atomic structures and the modern periodic table, recognise the theories of chemical bonding, examine the key properties of d-block and p-block elements in the Periodic Table and their important compounds, recognise the relationship between the position of an element in the Periodic Table and its properties; examine the nature of phase equilibria in two component systems; determine the kinetic behaviour of simple chemical reactions from experimental and theoretical principles; examine the interrelation of thermodynamics, equilibrium and electrochemistry, appreciate the properties of dilute solutions, both ideal and real, explore the use and limitations of several aspects and theories of conductance for electrolytic solutions, and methods of determining transport numbers, appropriately set up a plan for carrying out an experiment and write formal experiment reports which meet the scientific requirements for a full report of practical work.

Synopsis Based on the prerequisite subjects CHM1022 and PHS1616, CHM2616 is intended to introduce the second level of theoretical concepts of chemistry such as atomic and molecular structures, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, phase equilibrium, electrochemistry and elemental chemistry etc. to build up a sound basis of physical and inorganic chemistry. This subject is taught by a combination of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work.

Assessment Assessment for this subject consists of unit tests, end-semester examination, assignments, attendance of practical work and reports - An oral test related to the practical work is also included in assessment - Theoretical examinations (including topic tests, computer tests and/or assignments): 70% - Practical work (includes an oral and lab record notebook): 30% - A pass in both theory and practical work is mandatory to pass the subject.

Prescribed texts

Atkins P W Physical chemistry 5th edn, OUP, 1994
Shriver D F, Atkins P W and Longford C H Inorganic chemistry 2nd edn, OUP, 1994

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook