General Chemistry

chemistry

obligatory courses

Knowledge of chemistry at a high school level (symbols of chemical elements, notation of chemical equations, stoichiometric balances, simple calculations), elementary mathematical concepts (logarithmic/exponential function, function derivative)

Classroom

Fundamental laws of Nature, ruling the course of chemical processes, are presented in terms of both macroscopic properties of matter and at the atomic level. Within the macroscopic description, principal laws are explained which allow one to understand the directions and the final states of chemical processes, differences in their rates, as well as factors affecting the reaction course. This macroscopic description is confronted with the structure of matter at the microscopic level – the structure of atom and its electronic structure, determining chemical properties of the elements. Basic description of both properties of matter and its changes occurring at an atomic level is also given. Typical for this lecture is its elementary level, by assumption not invoking advanced mathematics, being aimed to reinforce the fundamental chemical knowledge necessary in more advanced chemistry studies.

The main topics of the lecture are: elementary description of the solid, liquid and gas phase. Covalent, metallic and ionic bonds - the correlation with the structure of matter. Composition of equation of chemical equations. Elementary description of the dynamics of atoms and molecules in the gas phase. Criteria for the direction of chemical reactions - the First and the Second Law of Thermodynamics as the fundamental laws of Nature, free Gibbs energy and its relation to characteristics of the equilibrium state (K). Acid-base, precipitation and redox equilbria. Elements of chemical kinetics - factors influencing the reaction rate, methodology of chemical kinetic studies, selected reaction mechanisms. Activation energy and catalysis. Elements of quantum description of matter at a microscopic level. Quantization of energy. The models of the structure of atom. The wave nature of matter and its consequences for description of matter at the atomic level. Electronic configuration of atoms and their relation to the chemical properties of the elements. Construction of the Periodic Table. Structure of simple covalent molecules. Physical and chemical properties of selected elements and compounds.

The aim of the seminars is to reinforce the students' knowledge of the topics presented during the lectures, to widen selected problems and to teach, how to utilize in practice the theoretical knowledge - through discussions and solving of computational problems.

1. L. Jones, P. Atkins, Chemia ogólna, Cząsteczki, materia, reakcje, PWN, Warszawa 2004 (translated from English original: Chemistry: Molecules, Matter and Change (4th Ed.), Freeman & Co., N.Y.)

2. A. Bielański, Podstawy chemii nieorganicznej, PWN, Warszawa 2002

3. L. Pajdowski, Chemia ogólna, PWN, Warszawa 1998

4. J.D. Lee, Zwięzła chemia nieorganiczna PWN, Warszawa 1994

translated from English original: A New Concise Inorganic Chemistry, 3rd Ed., Van Nostrand Reinhold 1977

After completion of the course the student:

- understands the role and position of chemistry in the structure of exact and natural sciences and its contribution to the development of our civilization

- knows basic components of matter and their properties, knows properties of chemical elements based on periodic law, knows elementary quantum theory of atoms and molecules (qualitative orbit model). Knows fundamental concepts and laws of chemistry, symbols of the elements, chemical nomenclature and notation, knows and understands the notation of equations of chemical reactions.

- knows and understands fundamental consequences for the course of chemical reactions, derived from laws of thermodynamics, knows and understands fundamentals of physical chemistry in the area of thermodynamics and thermochemistry, as well as problems related to the state of chemical equilibrium, including the relevant mathematical formalism

- knows and understands fundamentals of physical chemistry in the area of chemical kinetics, including catalysis

- is able to apply laws of chemistry for the analysis of selected chemical problems

- is able to analyze problems from the area of inorganic chemistry, including geometrical and electrion structure of molecules. Is able to describe and explain fundamental types of chemical reactions and their mechanisms

- is convinced about the importance to behave in a professional manner and observes the professional ethical rules

- knows the scope of his/her knowledge and acquired abilities, understands the need to go up with professional and personal competences.

Intra-semester written tests necessary to receive a credit admitting the student an exam (allowing to sit an exam after completion of seminars - with best results exempting from the exam); for other students – final written exam. General examination requirements given in followed Part. Detailed exam requirements are updated annually and sent to students before the exam The exam is written (5-6 open questions, requiring descriptive answers). The final grade is based on the arithmetic mean of partial grades, at least 50% of the material required.The retake exam has the same form and method of assessment.

Participation in lectures is not obligatory, but recommended due to the author's content and arrangement of the material, allowing first year students with varying degrees of preparation for chemical studies to obtain a unified, basic knowledge of the basics of chemistry.

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