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CHEM 104 Syllabus 2010

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Leonardo Zhou
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5 views

CHEM 104 Syllabus 2010

Uploaded by

Leonardo Zhou
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CHEM 104 begins with the study of chemical kinetics, focusing on reaction rates and the factors

that influence them. Students learn to measure reaction rates and express them in terms of
changes in concentration over time. The course introduces rate laws, including zero-order,
first-order, and second-order reactions, and how to determine the rate constant (k) and reaction
order experimentally. Topics such as activation energy and the Arrhenius equation are explored
to understand the energy barrier of reactions. Catalysts and their role in increasing reaction rates
without being consumed are also discussed.

The concept of chemical equilibrium is another central topic. Students learn about reversible
reactions and the dynamic nature of equilibrium, where the forward and reverse reactions occur
at equal rates. The equilibrium constant (K) is introduced, and its application in predicting the
direction and extent of a reaction is emphasized. Le Châtelier's Principle is covered in detail to
explain how changes in concentration, pressure, temperature, or the addition of a catalyst can
shift the position of equilibrium. Real-world applications include industrial processes like the
Haber process for ammonia production.

An in-depth exploration of acid-base chemistry forms another cornerstone of CHEM 104.


Students revisit the Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry, and Lewis definitions of acids and bases. The
course covers pH, pOH, and their calculations, alongside the concept of strong and weak acids
and bases. Acid-base titrations and their role in determining unknown concentrations are
introduced, with a focus on interpreting titration curves. Buffer systems and their significance in
maintaining pH stability in biological and environmental systems are also examined.

Thermodynamics is introduced to explain energy changes during chemical reactions. Students


explore the laws of thermodynamics, focusing on the concepts of enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS),
and Gibbs free energy (ΔG). The relationship ΔG=ΔH−TΔS is used to predict the spontaneity of
reactions. Endothermic and exothermic reactions are contrasted, and the importance of
thermodynamic principles in processes like combustion and refrigeration is discussed. This
section also examines the interplay between energy, entropy, and equilibrium.

The course concludes with electrochemistry, which examines the relationship between chemical
reactions and electricity. Students learn about oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions and how to
identify the oxidation and reduction half-reactions. The construction and operation of galvanic
(voltaic) cells are explored, emphasizing the flow of electrons and the role of the salt bridge.
Standard reduction potentials are used to calculate cell potential (Ecell∘​), and its implications for
reaction spontaneity are discussed. Applications include batteries, corrosion, and electroplating.

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