July 2015

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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong Community College

Subject Description Form

Subject Code CCN2275

Subject Title Physical Chemistry

Level 2

Credit Value 3

Medium of

Instruction

English

Pre-requisite /

Co-requisite/

Exclusion

Nil

Objectives

This subject introduces fundamental knowledge and concepts in physical

chemistry for thermodynamics and kinetics, and shows some of the key

evidence which supports the concepts. This subject also introduces the

techniques for practical measurements of samples related to the topics of

thermodynamics and kinetics.

Intended Learning

Outcomes

Upon successfully completing this subject, students will be able to:

(a) deploy the knowledge learned for exploring the basic principles of

thermodynamics.

(b) demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of

reaction rate theories as well as their contemporary applications.

(c) perform basic physical chemistry experiments as well as evaluate,

analyse and interpret the effects of external conditions on the

experimental equilibrium.

(d) identify and solve problems in related areas of physical chemistry

and real-life examples.

Subject Synopsis/

Indicative Syllabus

Thermodynamics

System, states, state variables, state/path function, intensive/extensive

properties; 1st law: enthalpy of chemical reactions, heat and work,

internal energy, adiabatic changes, thermochemistry, calorimetry, the

Joule-Thomson effect; 2nd

and 3rd

laws: criteria for spontaneous change,

entropy, Gibbs free energy; Adiabatic, isothermal, isobaric and

reversible processes, Carnot cycle and heat engine, Nernst equation,

Gibbs energy function and equilibrium constants, phase rule, Clausius-

Clapeyron equation; Effect of change in state variables on some

state/path functions.

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Kinetics

Rate laws, rate equations and rate constants, reaction mechanism and

elementary reactions; Rate determining steps; Reaction types: opposing

reactions, consecutive reactions, parallel reactions, chain reactions.

Reaction rate theories: collision and absolute rate theories, activation

energy, temperature dependence of reaction rates; Reaction approaching

equilibrium, equilibrium constants; Transition state theory, steady-state

approximation.

Laboratory Techniques

Perform basic physical chemistry laboratory techniques and operate

various instruments to solve problems on topics discussed and interpret

the data obtained.

Teaching/Learning

Methodology

This subject is composed of three parts: lectures, tutorials and laboratory

sessions. Lectures will focus on the introduction of thermodynamics,

reaction rate equations and theories, and some basic laboratory

techniques of physical chemistry. Real-life examples and references will

be given to students wherever appropriate. Tutorials will provide

students with opportunities to broaden, enlighten and reinforce the

general knowledge obtained in lectures. Problem-based activities,

classroom feedback, and discussions will be arranged in tutorials to

stimulate students’ interest or their awareness of the practical

implications of some concepts. Laboratory sessions may also be used to

enable students to understand, verify, and apply knowledge developed

from lectures via hands-on practice.

Assessment Methods

in Alignment with

Intended Learning

Outcomes

A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess

students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.

Specific assessment

methods/tasks

%

weighting

Intended subject learning

outcomes to be assessed

a b c d

Continuous Assessment* 50

Test 25

Assignment 1 12.5

Group Assignment 1 12.5

Final Examination 50

Total 100

*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the

subject team subject to the approval of the College Programme

Committee.

To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in

both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.

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Student Study Effort

Expected

Class contact Hours

Lecture 26

Tutorial 13

Laboratory 6

Other student study effort

Self-study 52

Continuous Assessment 36

Total student study effort 133

Reading List and

References

Recommended Textbook

Atkins, P. W., and De Paula, J. (2010). Physical chemistry. (9th ed.),

Oxford University Press.

References

Atkins, P. W., and De Paula, J. (2009). Elements of physical chemistry.

(5th ed.), Oxford University Press.

Engel, T., Reid, P. and Hehre, W. (2010). Physical chemistry. (2nd

ed.),

Prentice Hall.

Halpern, A. M. and McBane, G. C. (2006). Experimental physical

chemistry: A laboratory textbook. (3rd

ed.), W. H. Freeman and

Company.