PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY MENU

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.

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).