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Aims
The student who has finished the course is able to appreciate the physics behind many chemical processes. She/He will be able to apply the obtained knowledge to solve problems in physical chemistry having practiced its application with a number of set exercises.
After this course you:
• understand concepts such as diffusion, thermal conductivity, viscosity and effusion in a gas, based on the kinetic model
• understand that diffusion in liquids and is familiar with solutions to the diffusion equation
• are familiar with the Debye-Hückel theory.
• are familiar with the (electrical) molecular interactions between molecules and its’ effect in liquids.
• understand concepts of electrolytes, (over)potential, ionic transport and electrochemical kinetics.
• understand and is able to apply the concept of mean activity coefficient.
• are familiar with the fundamentals of electrochemistry (electrodes, electrochemical cells,)
• are familiar with the basics of electrical measurements, complex resistance, current, voltage, power.
• are familiar with electrochemical methods in research (e.g. voltammetry, conductance and impedance measurements)
• are able to identify and balance relevant redox reactions particularly those related to relevant applications (such as electrochemical batteries, fuel cells, metal recycling, etc.)
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Properties of materials are determined by the properties of and the interactions between its molecules. In this course a connection is made between the interaction between molecules (ions/neutral) and its effect on macroscopic properties in chemical processes. For chemical processes to happen at all, molecules/ions/reagents need to come together. Hence transport properties of molecules are extremely important as are effective concentrations and gradients. These concepts play an important role in the field of electrochemistry. Here equivalent circuitry, ionic mobilities and (redox) potential are all essential in understanding the basics behind electrochemical processes. To illustrate the interplay between chemistry and physics several cases are described such as Li-ion batteries, glucose sensors, the generation of electricity from the mixing of fresh water with salt water and the industrial production of aluminium. in which these processes play an important role.
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First year Chemistry (mandatory) and Science (elective).
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The written exam determines the final grade. Graphical Calculators are prohibited during the written exam.
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