Physical Chemistry 1

Module description

The student should acquire a broad understanding of the knowledge base in Physical Chemistry and its terminology or discourse. They will operate in a range of varied but predictable contexts that require the use of a specified range of techniques and information sources. Additionally, the student will be required to identify principles and concepts underlying theoretical frameworks.

Assessment details

Written examinations and coursework.

Exam	70%
3x online quizzes (MCQ/SAQ)	30%

Educational aims & objectives

This module builds upon the entry-level knowledge of students as well as upon chemical and mathematical concepts/tools covered in other Year 1 modules. It introduces the foundations of Physical Chemistry, which studies the principles that drive properties and behaviour of chemical systems at macroscopic and microscopic levels.

The module will cover:

• Electrochemistry
• Fundamental concepts to describe atomic structure at a microscopic level
• Thermodynamics

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module the student should be able to:

Electrochemistry

• Balance redox reactions. Write half-reactions in electrochemical cells.
• Calculate electrochemical potential using the Nernst equation.
• Identify redox reactions in bio-energetic processes.

Atomic Structure

• Apply quantum mechanics to describe behaviour of matter at a microscopic level
• Explain the spectrum of hydrogenic and many-electron atoms

Thermodynamics

• Develop models of chemical and physical change grounded in the fundamentals of thermodynamics
• Apply the concepts, methods and techniques of thermodynamics to chemical systems and make predictions for these systems.

Indicative Syllabus

• Coulomb’s Law. Electrochemical potential. Activities and Debye-Hückel theory.
• Redox Reactions. Nernst equation.
• Quantization of energy.
• Wave-particle duality. de Broglie hypothesis. Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
• Schrödinger equation. Born interpretation. Particle in a box.
• Atomic structure of hydrogenic atoms. Atomic orbitals, energies and quantum numbers.
• Atomic structure of many-electron atoms. Pauli principle. Aufbau principle.
• Introduction to Thermodynamics. Work and heat as currencies of energy.
• The First Law. State functions and exact differentials. Heat capacity. Enthalpy.
• Thermochemistry. The Second Law. The direction of spontaneous change: Entropy. The Third Law. Statistical interpretation of entropy.

Teaching pattern

31 hours lectures, 20 hours workshops

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.