Fundamentals of Chemical Science

Overview

1. Elements, Atoms, ions, electrons and the periodic table. (9h)
This course aims to give an introduction to the fundamental principles of atoms from the
chemists’ viewpoint. Starting from a simple model and using the results of quantum mechanics
a more appropriate model of the atom is presented. From this model trends in atomic and ionic
properties which enable us to explain differences and similarities and predict the properties of
different elements can be deduced. The following topics are covered:

* The Basics: element, the periodic table, atom, mole.
* Electromagnetic radiation: energy, wavelength and frequency.
* The Atom: the Bohr atom.
*The Electron: wave-particle duality and the Schrödinger wave equation, probability density,
radial distribution function, orbitals, quantum numbers, s and p orbitals, phase, d orbitals.
* More than one electron: filling orbitals, the aufbau principle, the Pauli exclusion principle,
* Hund’s rules, penetration, shielding, effective nuclear charge, Slater’s rules, size.
* Trends: ionisation energy, electron attachment enthalpy (affinity), electronegativity, ionic
radii, polarisability and polarising power, hydration enthalpies.
*Redox reactions: assigning oxidation numbers, oxidising and reducing agents, redox
potentials.
* Percentage composition, empirical formula and molecular formula, determining limiting reactant. *How to balance simple redox reactions.

2. Introduction to Chemical Reactivity (9h)

*Introduction to chemical reactivity and the differing concepts of thermodynamic and kinetic control
*Factors affecting reaction rate: concentration, molecule shape, temperature and catalyst for successful collisions
* Concentration - time relationships for zero, first and second order reactions: rate equations and shapes of concentration – time graphs. Molecularity, stoichiometry and reaction order. Rate constants and units.
* Integrated rate equations: Graphical methods for determining the reaction order and the rate constant
* Half-life and first order kinetics
* Collision and transition state theory. The Arrhenius Equation and activation energy
* Reaction Mechanisms: Complex reactions and the rate determining step
*Relevant industrially important examples from all areas of science and engineering

Workshop: 1 x 2h (Open book computer-based quiz).

Learning Objectives

On completion of this module students should be able to:
*achieve a solid grounding in the fundamental principles of atomic structure, the principal quantum numbers and s and p orbitals and the periodic table, including the ability to answer problems related to these concepts. They should be able to explain and use the aufbau principle. They should aim to achieve a good understanding of, and be able to explain, the trends in atomic and ionic properties in the periodic table. They should develop the ability to use these concepts to explain and predict the properties of the different elements.
* understand the factors that govern chemical reactivity.

Skills

Learners are expected to demonstrate the following on completion of the module:
* Ability to write and predict atomic structure and properties.
* Describe, calculate and make predictions regarding chemical reactivity.

Assessment

Assessment profile
Element type Element weight
Online quiz (open book) 100%

Course Requirements:
* Quiz submission
* Module pass at 40%