Learning objectives
The student must demonstrate the ability to understand the basic concepts of general chemistry and knowing how to apply them both in solving problems and in the description of the subjects under consideration. The student must demonstrate an adequate knowledge of the fundamental laws of general chemistry and learn about their application to real cases; this knowledge is prerequisite for understanding of complex chemical phenomena studied in other courses included in the curriculum of the degree program.
Course unit content
In the first part, the fundamental laws of general chemistry will be explained, such as the law of conservation of mass. Then the description of atomic structure, further a description of the periodic table element properties and classification according to their properties will be detailed.
The course will focus on the theory of the valence bond with examples and analysis of the nature of the ionic and covalent polar covalent bond. It will be provided some hints of inorganic nomenclature and then conventional stoichiometry problems (molar mass, the balance reactions) will be discussed and solved. The main fundamentals of thermodynamic chemistry will be widely explained; state functions, first and second law of thermodynamics, exothermic and endothermic reactions, definition of enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy, spontaneity of a chemical reaction.
Then, the course will consist in the description of the main features of the gaseous and liquid states of aggregation. For the liquid state it will be introduced the fundamental laws of intermolecular forces and then study the characteristics of the solutions and colligative properties. Afterwards the chapter related to the definition of acids and bases will be address within the theory of Brownsted-Lowry with explanation of concepts such as strong acid and bases, weak acid and bases, buffer solutions. The main concepts of chemical kinetics theory will be introduced. A brief introduction of the electrochemistry theory, reduction potential E°, electrochemical series, Daniel cell, Nernst equation is provided.
Several examples will be illustrated in terms of exercises to exemplify the application of the explained theoretical concepts.
Bibliography
Chimica principi e reazioni - Musterton and Hurley (casa editrice Piccin)
Chimica Generale ed Inorganica - Pietro Malatesta
(casa editrice edi-ermes)
Teaching methods
The classes will be carried out by oral lessons and the concepts will be summarized in slides. In some cases be it will be exploited traditional instruments like blackboard. In addition to the theoretical concepts illustration some exercises sessions will be held. The slides are available for the students.
Assessment methods and criteria
The evaluation procedure will be carried out with a written test that includes ten questions including theoretical and practical exercises. Each question will be ranked for a maximum of three points. The passing the written test is followed by an oral examination focused on the issues raised in the written test.
