PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY MENU

Kinetic Theory

Kinetic Theory . . .

Basic kinetic theory ideas about solids, liquids and gases, and changes of state. Ideal and real gases. The ideal gas equation. Boyle's Law and Charles' Law.

Chemical energetics

Enthalpy changes during reactions . . .

An explanation of the various important kinds of enthalpy change, and a limited look at the calculations which go with them.

Entropy and free energy . . .

A fairly gentle introduction to entropy and free energy suitable for current A level syllabuses.

Rates of Reaction

Basic ideas about rates of reaction . . .

Covers collision theory, and describes and explains the effects of surface area, concentration, pressure, temperature and catalysts on reaction rates. Also takes an introductory look at the rate equation for a reaction - particularly order of reaction and the rate constant.

Catalysis . . .

A detailed look at various types of catalytic action with a wide range of examples taken from A level syllabuses.

Equilibria

Chemical equilibria . . .

An introduction to the ideas surrounding chemical equilibria including the concept of a dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier's Principle, and a detailed look at the equilibrium aspects of the Haber Process, the Contact Process and the manufacture of ethanol from ethene. Plus an introductory look at equilibrium constants, K_c and K_p.

Redox equilibria . . .

An introduction to the measurement and use of standard electrode potentials (redox potentials). Includes a discussion of the electrochemical series and the use of redox potentials in predicting the feasibility of redox reactions.

Acid-base equilibria . . .

Including: acid-base theories; strong and weak acids and bases; an introduction to pH, K_w and pK_w, K_a and pK_a, K_b and pK_b; buffer solutions; pH curves and indicators.

Solubility products . . .

Solubility products, their units, and a brief introduction to calculations involving them.

Phase equilibria . . .

An introduction to saturated vapour pressure, Raoult's Law, and to several types of phase diagrams - including phase diagrams for pure substances, solutions of non-volatile solutes, eutectic mixtures, systems of two miscible liquids (including fractional distillation), and systems of two immiscible liquids (including steam distillation).