Module 1

Physical chemistry

systematic application of the methods of physics to study chemical systems

physical chemistry

development of principles and theories that explain and interpret the behaviour of chemical systems

Microscopic Properties

Properties described at the molecular or atomic level.

Macroscopic Properties

Observable, bulk properties without referring to molecules.

Thermodynamics

Study of energy, heat, work, and how they change a system’s state.

Statistical Mechanics

Links molecular behavior to macroscopic thermodynamic properties.

Quantum Chemistry

Study of molecular structure and behavior using quantum mechanics.

Chemical Kinetics

Study of reaction rates and how fast processes occur.

System

Quantity of matter or region in space chosen for study.

Surroundings

Everything outside the system.

Universe

The system plus its surroundings.

Kinetic Energy (KE)

Energy due to motion of particles.

Potential Energy (PE)

Energy due to position in a force field.

Internal Energy (U)

Total microscopic kinetic and interaction energy of a system.

Thermodynamic State

Condition of a system defined by its state variables.

State Variable

Property that defines a system’s state (P, T, V, n, U).

Thermodynamic Equilibrium

No macroscopic changes with time.

Thermal Equilibrium

No heat flow between system and surroundings.

Mechanical Equilibrium

No pressure gradients; net force is zero.

Chemical Equilibrium

No net chemical reaction occurs.

Phase Equilibrium

No net transfer between phases.

Process

A path involving changes from one state to another.

Change of State

Change in one or more state variables.

Thermodynamic Cycle

Series of processes returning to the initial state.

Isothermal Process

Process at constant temperature.

Isobaric Process

Process at constant pressure.

Isochoric Process

Process at constant volume.

Extensive Property

Depends on amount of matter (mass, volume).

Intensive Property

Independent of amount of matter (temperature, pressure).

Temperature

Measure of thermal energy that determines heat flow direction.

Diathermic Boundary

Allows heat transfer.

Adiabatic Boundary

Does not allow heat transfer.

Pressure

Force exerted per unit area.

Barometer

Instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

Molar Volume (Vm)

Volume occupied by one mole of gas at given conditions.