COVENANT UNIVERSITY
College of Science and Technology
Department of Chemistry
COURSE CODE:
CHM 212
COURSE TITLE:
Basic Physical Chemistry
UNITS:
2
SEMESTER:
Alpha – 2013/2014
COURSE LECTURER:
Prof. Okonjo K.O., Ehi-Eromosele C.O. & Edobor-Osoh A.
TIME:
2 pm – 3 pm (Tuesdays) & 4pm – 5pm (Wednesdays)
LOCATION:
Hall 107
A.
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE:
Kinetic theory of gases. Molecular velocities and their distribution. Second law of
thermodynamics. Entropy and free energy. Principles and applications of free energy concepts in
determining spontaneity of reaction. Experimental methods for the determination of rates of
reactions. Formation of rate equation for second, third and fourth order reactions. Experimental
determination of order of reaction. Rate laws, mechanism and theories of elementary processes.
B.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS:
At the end of this course, students are expected to:
 determine the factors that make a reaction spontaneous
 write the integrated forms of first, second, third and nth order reactions
 use the various integrated rate equation to determine rate constants understand the
meaning of each processes being studied.
 determine the half-life of a reaction of any order, given the rate constant
 determine the rate of a reaction from the mechanism of a reaction
C.
METHODS OF LECTURE DELIVERY / TEACHING AIDS:
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Lecture Delivery
 Instructional lecture note.
 Charts and diagrams.
 Tutorial questions and solution.
Teaching Aids
 PowerPoint presentation
D.
COURSE OUTLINES
Module 1: Kinetic theory of gases; thermodynamics (Ehi-Eromosele C.O.)
Week 1
-
Introductory lecture/ Revision of Thermodynamics in CHM
111
Week 2
-
Second law of thermodynamics; entropy and free energy
and the relationship between them.
Week 3
-
Application of free energy concepts in determining the
spontaneity of a reactions.
Week 4
-
General considerations of the development of the kinetic
theory
Week 5
-
Molecular velocities and their distribution.
Module 2: Kinetics (Prof. Okonjo K.O. & Edobor-Osoh A.)
Week 6
-
Introductory lecture/ Revision of kinetics in CHM
111
Mid Term Test
Week 7
-
Formation of rate equations for second and third order
reactions.
Week 8
-
Formation of rate equations for fourth and nth order
reactions
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Week 9
-
Experimental determination of order of reactions
Week 10
-
Mechanisms of reactions. Rate laws from detailed
mechanisms
E.
Week 11
-
Theories of elementary processes.
Week 12
-
Revision and tutorials
Week 13
-
Evaluation
TUTORIALS
Tutorial questions will be set after each module. These will later be treated in class before
the beginning of the next module.
F.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME/METHOD OF GRADING
1.
Continuous Assessment
30 marks
(i)
Class Assignments
10 marks
(ii)
Mid Term Test
20 marks
2.
Examination
G.
GROUND RULES & REGULATIONS





H.
70 marks
Mandatory 75% class attendance.
No eating in the classroom.
Active participation in all activities.
All class assignments/tutorials to be submitted on time.
Punctuality to classes to be observed.
TOPICS FOR TERM ASSIGNMENTS
 Solving questions based on each process being studied
I.
ASSIGNMENTS
In physical chemistry, a quick way of determining the extent of students’ understanding
is to give them assignments that are quantitative in nature. Once they understand how to use the
equations derived in class to solve numerical problems, their understanding of the course is
assured. Assignments requiring graphical solutions will also be given.
J.
RECOMMENDED READING:
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 Bahl A., Bahl B.S., Tuli G.D. (2006) Essentials of Physical Chemistry, S. Chand, India
 Atkins, P. and de Paula, J. (2006) Physical Chemistry, W.H. Freeman, UK
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