PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY 1 AND LABORATORY - MOD.1

As a core module of the Bachelor's degree program in Science and Technology for Cultural Heritage, this course introduces the fundamental principles of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Thermodynamics.
The course aims to provide the theoretical and methodological tools required to understand the spontaneity of physico-chemical transformations, phase equilibria, and reaction equilibria. Through the study and the application of thermodynamics, students will gain the ability to solve simple quantitative problems while developing a rigorous approach to scientific inquiry and reasoning.

1. Knowledge and understanding of:
(a) properties and state functions that characterize a system
(b) relationships between state functions.
(c) criteria of spontaneity and equilibrium of chemical-physical processes

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
(a) use functions such as internal energy, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy to define a system
(b) derive measurable quantities of various systems
(c) explain chemical equilibrium through thermodynamics
(d) solve problems concerning thermodynamic transformations of simple systems and reactions

3. Judgment skills:
(a) critically evaluation of the information regarding the systems under investigation

4. Communication skills:
a) appropriate use of terminology and formalism of thermodynamics
b) ability to interact with the instructor and fellow students in an active manner so that communication occurs in a constructive and formally correct manner.
be able to interact in a constructive and formally correct manner with the teacher and classmates

5. Learning skills:
a) Know how to take notes in a rigorous manner, highlighting the concepts learned according to their importance

It is appropriate for the student to master knowledge related to chemistry, integral and differential calculus, classical mechanics

1. Preliminary definitions and notions: state variables, zeroth law, properties of gases
2. First principle: work, heat, energy, enthalpy
3. Thermochemistry
4. Second and third principles: entropy and absolute temperature, spontaneity criteria, thermodynamic equilibrium
5. Pure substances: chemical potential, phase transitions and phase equilibria
6. Mixtures: partial molar quantities, ideal and real solutions
7. Reactive mixtures: chemical equilibrium and equilibrium constants

Lecture notes and slides
Peter W. Atkins, Chimica Fisica, Ultima edizione It. Zanichelli.
Robert J. Silbey, Robert A. Alberty, Moungi G. Bawendi, Physical Chemistry, 4th Edition , John Wiley & Sons (2021) (solo in inglese)
Raymond Chang, Chimica fisica vol. 1, Zanichelli (2003)

Assessment is through a written test that includes 4 numerical problems (similar to those done in class) and 3 theory questions designed to test the acquisition of the main concepts of the course.

The evaluation (grade) will be proportional to the number of correctly answered points in the written exam (see above).
Each problem, depending on complexity, may be divided into more points. Each question on the theory part corresponds to two points, i.e., 1) identification of the correct answer among several proposed ones (multiple choice); 2) concise justification of the given answer.

The duration of this test is two hours where the use of notes, books and electronic media is not allowed.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The grade resulting from the evaluation of the written exam and any subsequent discussion with the student reflects, as an indicative reference, the following grading scale:

18-21: Partial and error-prone resolution of numerical exercises, with correct setup only in some cases. Basic knowledge of theory, with partially correct or poorly justified answers.
22-24: Fair understanding of the topics, with some exercises correctly solved and generally adequate but not always complete theoretical answers.
25-27: Good command of the subject, with most numerical exercises correctly solved and clear, well-reasoned theoretical answers. Ability to connect concepts and apply them with some autonomy.
28-30: Excellent knowledge of the subject, with numerical exercises correctly set up and mostly solved. Theoretical answers are precise, well-structured, and well-argued.
30 cum laude: Outstanding mastery of the subject, with all exercises correctly and completely solved. Theoretical answers are precise, critically reasoned, and demonstrate independent elaboration skills.

Lectures with the support of a blackboard and slides.
Language: Italian

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion

Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments:
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding supportservices and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). In the case of disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.