610-310 Physical Chemistry IIIA

Credit cannot be gained for this subject and 610-311 or 610-315.

Chemistry 610-210 or 610-211 and 610-215 (1998: 610-215 plus 610-210 or 610-211).

Upon completion of 610-310, students should relate UV-visible spectroscopy to the fates of electronically excited molecules; understand photochemical kinetics and its application to controlling light-induced processes; understand the main concepts of equilibrium electrochemistry and be able to apply electrochemical principles to interpret the behaviour of solutions and galvanic cells; understand the nature of a surface and the phenomena of spreading behaviour of liquids, capillary rise, vapour pressure, superheating, crystal solubility and super-saturation; understand the processes of micelle formation from surfactants and gas adsorption on solids; and have developed skills in experimental techniques and instrumental methods of physical chemistry.

The subject covers surface chemistry, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and reactions of reactive intermediates.

The practical course will consist of a number of experiments involving the physical and instrumental investigations of important chemical systems and phenomena.

Ongoing assessment of practical work in the form of short reports due during the semester (25%); written assignments not exceeding 10 pages due during the semester (5%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (70%). Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject.