[Description of the course] In this course, the instructor will explain the kinetic theory of gases, fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics, Boltzmann distributions, molecular partition function, collision theory, and transition state theory.
[Aim of the course] It is important to analyze reaction rates when a chemical reaction is performed. In this course, students acquire the ability to deduce reaction rates by use of collision theory and transition state theory drawn from the kinetic theory of gases and statistical thermodynamics, respectively.
By the end of this course, students acquire the following abilities:
(1) Ability to explain pressure and collision of molecules using kinetic theory based on classical mechanics.
(2) Ability to explain the fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics.
(3) Ability to deduce reaction rates using collision theory and transition state theory drawn from classical mechanics and statistical thermodynamics, respectively.
statistical thermodynamics, Boltzmann distribution, molecular partition function, collision theory, transition state theory
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
This course will proceed in the following order: (1) kinetic theory of gases, (2) statistical thermodynamics, (3) molecular dynamics in reactions. On the last day, students will do exercises for checking their comprehension, and the instructor will provide explanation about the exercises.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Kinetic model of gases | Explain kinetic model of gases. |
Class 2 | Molecular collision in gas phase | Derive collision frequency and mean free path. |
Class 3 | Boltzmann distribution | Explain Boltzmann distribution. |
Class 4 | Molecular partition function | Derive molecular partition functions. |
Class 5 | Collision theory | Derive reaction rate constants from collision theory. |
Class 6 | Transition state theory | Derive reaction rate constants from transition state theory |
Class 7 | Dynamics of molecular collision | Explain dynamics of molecular collision. |
Class 8 | Practice problems and remarks for confirming the level of understanding | Solve practice problems by accurately understanding all of the above lectures |
P. Atkins, J. de Paula, "Physical Chemistry", 8th Ed., Oxford University Press; ISBN-13: 978-0716787594
None required
Final examination (85%), level of class participation (15%) (The level of class participation will be calculated by quizzes and so on in the class.)
The condition of the study will not be made, but it is desirable to study LAS.C107 : Basic Chemical Thermodynamics, CAP.B216 : Physical Chemistry I (Thermodynamics), CAP.B217 : Physical Chemistry II (Chemical Equilibrium), CAP.B218 : Physical Chemistry III (Kinetics).
M. Okamoto (mokamoto[at]apc.titech.ac.jp)
Make an appointment by an e-mail in advance.