General Engineering Chemistry

Description

The general aim of the  course in General and Technical Chemistry is to introduce the basic inorganic chemistry concepts , with a lot of emphasis on engineering/technical applications in every day life. To this end, the treated concepts are applied as early as possible to industrial problems and processes, with less emphasis on laboratory applications. A training in a technical-chemical way of thinking is envisaged by stimulating an engineering vision on the behavior of the matter. Although the course has, evidently, a clear and direct link with the chemical industry, a balanced mix with non-specialist chemical knowledge is aimed at, equally important to material engineers, electronic and civil engineers ... The specific objectives are discussed according to the three main blocks of the course, being: matter , chemical reactions and chemical equilibrium . As specific objectives of the course part on matter the students have to know the (sub)atomic structure of matter (up to the level of the atom core with neutrons and protons surrounded by a cloud of electrons) on the basis of the (sub)atomic structure of matter - understand the structure of the Periodic System of Elements (Mendelejev's Table) - explain and predict the periodic variation of atomic properties like atomic and ionic radii,  electronegativity, … - understand and predict the different chemical bond types: ionic, covalent and metallic bonding - be able to draw Lewis structures and to derive the symmetry and geometry of molecules - understand and predict intermolecular forces and interactions - explain and predict macroscopic properties of matter like polarity, hardness, … on the basis of previous concepts understand and be able to quantify the behavior of pure substances: gases, liquids and solids (e.g.,  ideal and non-ideal (van der Waals) gas laws) with also a focus on surface tension, cohesion and adhesion, viscosity, ... understand and be able to quantify the behavior of homogeneous mixtures (gases and fluids) (e.g.,  Dalton’s Law, Raoult’s Law), including colligative properties like boiling point elevation and freezing point depression understand and be able to quantify the behavior of heterogeneous mixtures (e.g., Raoult’s Law), including, e.g., colloid suspensions The specific learning goals for the chemical reactions and equilibrium part are: • being able to describe and quantify chemical transformations through the associated stoichiometry (i.e., balancing of reactions) • being able to apply concepts such as the rate of progress and the different types of yields; • being able to understand, calculate and apply the criteria for spontaneity of processes, derived from the Gibbs free energy (e.g., also for examples of explosives). • being able to understand the empirical approach and thermodynamic foundation of the Law of Guldberg and Waage (Mass action) in connection with chemical equilibrium; • being able to recognize the importance of mixture entropy, whereby all chemical reactions become equilibrium reactions; • being able to know and to apply the concept of equilibrium constant and reaction quotient; • being able to know and to apply the Le Châtelier-Braun principle; • being able to know the ammonia production process and to be able to place it in the context of the Le Chatelier-Braun principle; • being able to know and to apply the T- and P-dependence of the equilibrium (including Van 't Hoff's Law). The principles of chemical equilibrium have been introduced above and are mainly illustrated by means of gas formation reactions. The last part of the course applies the equilibrium principles to reactions in an aqueous environment. To this end, the students must master the following aspects: acid-base reactions: being able to know and to apply the different acid-base theories; being able to derive the pH formula, but especially to calculate all kinds of mixtures (i.e., single acid or base, multiple acids or bases, salts and acid-base neutralizations including buffers and titration reactions); being able to know and recognize acid-base applications. precipitation and complex formation reactions: being able to perfectly master the two tables of solubiity; being able to understand how the solubility of salts can be influenced and to apply this yourself; being able to work quantitatively with (combinations of) precipitation, acid-base and complexing reactions (which reactions occur to what extent) on the basis of the respective stability constants; being able to discuss the given examples and to recognize or apply the underlying principles in other examples as well. redox reactions: being able to determine the oxidation stage of all elements in a molecule or ion; being able to balance every redox reaction presented via the given step-by-step plan being able to know most common oxidation and reducing agents with a number of applications being able to know the working principle of a galvanic cell (and batteries) and an electrolysis cell; being