CHEMISTRY 553: Winter 2008
Molecular Thermodynamics  and Statistical Mechanics                

Instructor

   Dr. Glenn T. Evans                                    

   Gilbert Hall 104

   737-6717

glenn.evans@oregonstate.edu

Office Hours

TBA

Course Information

   There are few areas in science where the 'laws' are immutable. Thermodynamics may be the only one. Here we combine the laws of  thermodynamics with the postulates of statistical mechanics  to analyze properties of gases, gas mixtures, liquids, ambient fluctuations, critical phenomena, polymers and water. Our point of view is both macroscopic and molecular.

Prerequisites

   CH 442

Course Structure

   Three credit-hour course

Terms Offered

   Not offered every year

Lecture

   Tues/Thurs 4-5:20pm 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 Textbook

Ken A. Dill and Sabrina Bromberg, Molecular Driving Forces, Garland science, NY (2003).

Class Syllabus

week	topic	comments
1	Extremum principles and math methods	ch 2-5
2	Entropy and the fundamental equation	ch 6-7
3	Helmholtz and Gibbs energies, Maxwell relations	ch8-9, problem set 1
4	Thermodynamic cycles. Boltzmann distribution law and statistical mechanics	ch 8-10
5	Stat mech and heat capacities	ch11-12, problem set 2
6	Chemical equilibrium	ch 11-13, exam
7	Solutions and salvation	ch 14-16
8	Intermolecular forces, phase transitions	ch 24-25, problem set 3
9	Phase transitions and cooperativity	ch 25-26
10	Water	ch 29-30, problem set 4

Assignments

assignment 1

assignment 2

assignment 3

assignment 4

The proofs

  The Proofs, three in total, are scored as 3 pts  per problem and hence are 'worth' roughly one problem set. 

Exams and grading policy

exam 1 exam 2(the final)

Midterm exam : Monday of 6th week

Final exam:

Midterm (40%); Final exam (40%), assignments (20%)

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