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Screenshot of Interactive multimedia showing relationship between free energy and the equilibrium constant (click to enlarge)
This equilibrium constant section (Chapter 4 of the Physical Chemistry textbook) provides a brief look into the history of the discovery of equilibrium. As noted in the text, the scientists Berthelot and St. Gilles first represented the equilibrium equation using concentrations while Guldberg and Waage used kinetics. Equilibrium is reached when the forward and reverse reaction are happening simultaneously and at the same rate. A brief review of the two systems might clarify the role each has to play in the overall understanding of equilibrium as used today.
Time traveling? DeLorean time machine from the film 'Back to the future'
Chemistry and Physics offer more than mere equations to the serious student. Even philosophical concepts can be derived from the thermodynamic laws. Can you believe it?
Let’s read, for example, a Statement of the Second Law of Thermodynamics;
It is impossible for an engine to perform work by cooling a portion of matter to a temperature below that of the coldest part of the surroundings.
OK, maybe this is not exactly what you and I had in mind when speaking of philosophy, but this law is powerful indeed, and has an incredible predictive potential! Continue reading
Still from multimedia explanation of State Functions in Physical chemistry textbook
Section 2.2 of the Physical Chemistry textbook, States and State Functions, provides a wonderful definition for two terms that are often understood but difficult to define. The use of simplistic terminology and multimedia examples help to clarify the meanings.
The key to understanding state functions, as pointed out in the text, is understanding the dependence of the individual variables on the pathway. Some key variables worth exploring are: temperature, mass, pressure, volume, energy and work. Continue reading
Still from animation explaining State function in Physical chemistry (click to enlarge)
State variables, or state functions, are one of the most interesting concepts in science. They have a special place in thermodynamics because of their fundamental property of being unaffected by the way chosen by the system to reach its final state.
A good example, to understand how this works, is to consider the distance between Rome and Montreal. This distance is fixed; however, to travel from Italy to Canada you have to choose a path: maybe you’ll choose a straight Atlantic route; or maybe you’ll prefer the opposite direction, to visit Africa, India, Japan, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and (finally!) reach Canada. In either case, the distance between the two cities does NOT change: what changes is the path you choose. Continue reading
Screengrab of interactive multimedia clip from Physical Chemistry textbook (click to enlarge)
In order to understand the workings of a physical process or chemical reaction, a limited area of study must be isolated. This area is usually described as the system and can be as large or as small as necessary.
Any area not included in the system is considered the surroundings. Thermodynamics is the study of heat and other forms of energy in both chemical and physical processes in specific systems.
The first law of thermodynamics follows the law of conservation for heat. Simply stated, heat can not be created or destroyed, merely changed from one form to another. The second law involves the amount of order involved with a spontaneous reaction in a system. Continue reading
Thermodynamics module
Chapters 1 to 6 of Physical Chemistry - Laidler, Meiser, Sanctuary
Includes multimedia that opens on relevant pages and allows the student to visualize many of the concepts by varying parameters and plotting different graphs. Things students often have difficulty with, such as isothermal, isobaric, isochoric and adiabatic process, are clearly visualized.
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Physical Chemistry textbook
by Laidler, Meiser, Sanctuary
This popular Physical Chemistry text book is now available in electronic format. We have preserved much of the material of the former hard copy editions, making changes to improve understanding of the concepts in addition to including some of the recent discoveries in physical chemistry. Many chapters have new sections and the coverage of several chapters has been greatly expanded.
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Isoprene research could lead to eco-friendly car tires bit.ly/IVsD7H #chemistry
Polymer gel squeezes and strains like an intestine bit.ly/K6Og5g #chemistry
The secret molecular life of soap bubbles (1913): wp.me/p6nGL-1EX via @drskyskull