General Chemistry for TEE

1) Thermodynamics and Chemical Equilibrium (27 hours)

1.1 Course (15 hours): fundamentals of thermodynamics (concepts of energy and entropy), chemical potential and equilibrium; degree of advancement; equilibrium displacement; applications to solution chemistry and phase transitions.

 1.2 Tutorials (13 hours):

Focusing on the concept of energy in order to clearly relate the different forms of energy; focusing on the concept of entropy: link between micro and macroscopic states, notion of reversibility/irreversibility and equilibrium; focusing on the notion of chemical potential: use of the law of mass action (equilibrium in solution and phase transition).    

2) Introduction to chemical kinetics (6 hours)

 2.1 Lecture (2 hours): Link between thermodynamics and kinetics: Transition State Theory/Activated Complex Theory; Definition: speed, order, and rate constant, half-life; Simple kinetics cases; Thermal activation: Arrhenius equation

2.2 Tutorials (4 hours): determining the order of a reaction; use of parameters

characteristics (_t1/2, k..); determination of activation energy

3) Introduction to Radioactivity (3 hours)

3.1 The course (1.5 hours): history ; structure of the nucleus, particles and forces involved; nuclear reactions: fusion/disintegration and radiation; isotopes and stability; natural radioactivity; DE=Dm.^c2 

3.2 Tutorials (1.5 hours): energy: comparison between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions; decay time;^C14 dating

Ensure/consolidate the fundamentals necessary for a general understanding of the energy and entropy phenomena that govern chemical reactions (concepts of chemical potential, heat of reaction, equilibrium, reversibility, speed), particularly those that will be used in the HAT403C course.

Basic mathematical functions; first- and second-degree equations; systems of equations (two equations with two unknowns); simple integrals and derivatives.

Basic chemistry concepts: recognizing the primary characteristics of atoms (electronic structures, electronegativity, etc.) and different types of chemical compounds (organic vs. inorganic, ionic solids, molecular solids, state under standard conditions, etc.).

•  Know how to predict and calculate the equilibrium conditions of a chemical reaction and how this equilibrium can be modified.
•  Understanding the link between thermodynamics and kinetics: grasping the complexity of a reaction mechanism at the molecular level.
•  Learn the basics of nuclear reactions and radioactivity