Welcome to Physical Chemistry

Physical chemistry looks at the basics of chemical reactions and intersations, in this unit you will be able to find out about:

  • Enthalpy change and Hess's law
  • Redox reactions
  • Thermodynamics.

    • Enthalpy ChangeThe systems of energy change in reactions (combustion and formation), and calorimetry.
    Hess's LawCalculate enthalpy change by a different reaction route and bond enthalpy.
    Reaction RatesCollision theory, Maxwell-Boltman distribution, factors affecting rates.
    EquilibriaDynamic equilibria in reversible reactions (Haber Process), Le Chatelier's Principle.
    Redox ReactionsOxidation and reduction, oxidants and reductants, oxidation states and half equations.
    KineticsRate of reaction, rate equation, orders of reaction, determining the orders.
    Equilibrium ConstantsCalculating Kc and Kp, affects of pressure, temperature, concentration on its value.
    Acids and BasesCalculating pH and Ka in weak acids; ionic product of water Kw; buffer solutions.
    Further EnthalpyDefinitions of enthalpies, explanation of the Born-Haber Cycle, using mean bond enthalpy.
    EntropyWhat is entropy, importance, calculating entropy change, feasibility and Gibbs free-energy change.
    Redox EquilibriaHalf equations, standard hyrogen electrode, electromotive force, electrochemical series.