General chemistry for TEE

1) Thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium (27h)

1.1 course (15h): basics of thermodynamics (concepts of energy and entropy), chemical potential and equilibrium; degree of advancement; equilibrium shift; applications to solution chemistry and phase transitions

 1.2 TD (13h):

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

2) Introduction to chemical kinetics (6h)

 2.1 the course (2h): link between thermodynamics and kinetics: theory of the Transition State/Activated Complex; Definition: velocity, order and velocity constant, half-life time; Cases of simple kinetics; Thermal activation: Arrhenius law

2.2 TD (4h): determining the order of a reaction; use of parameters

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

3) Introduction to Radioactivity (3h)

3.1 the course (1.5h): 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 TD (1.5h): energy: chemical reaction/nuclear reaction comparison; decay time; ^C14 dating

ensure / consolidate the fundamentals necessary for a general understanding of the energy & entropy phenomena that govern chemical reactions (notion of chemical potential, heat of reaction, equilibrium, reversibility, speed) and more specifically those that will be used in the E.U. HAT403C

Basic mathematical functions; first- and second-degree equations; system of equations (2 equations with 2 unknowns); integrals and simple derivatives.

Chemistry basics: recognize the basic characteristics of atoms (electronic structures, electronegativity, etc.) and the different types of chemical bodies (organic vs. inorganic, solid ionic, molecular, state under standard conditions),

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