PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II

Catalog description

The Physical Chemistry II course is divided into two main thematic units: Quantum Mechanics and Chemical Kinetics. The first topic introduces some of the basic principles of quantum mechanics. The concept will be presented by which all the properties of a system are expressed in terms of a wave function obtained by solving the Schrödinger equation. Calculations of molecules will allow us to understand the nature of the chemical bond. The application of quantum mechanics to spectroscopy, and the study of the absorption and emission of electromagnetic radiation, will be discussed at the end of this thematic block. The second relevant topic of the subject focuses on chemical kinetics and will address fundamental concepts such as rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions. In this thematic unit, calculations of reaction rates will be carried out, using simple models of atoms and molecules in the gas phase for ideal and real gases, and the different factors that influence the kinetics of the processes will be studied. Emphasis is placed on the development of quantitative reasoning and communication skills, through the analysis of chemical exercises/problems, which will allow the student to solve situations that arise in their daily life. Also, the development of information skills is facilitated through the management of laboratory and programmed equipment. The students will be trained in the correct use of safety rules in the laboratory and teamwork. The course consists of 45 hours of lectures and 90 hours of laboratory.