This introductory physical chemistry course examines the connections between molecular properties and the behavior of macroscopic chemical systems.
Statistical Molecular Thermodynamics
Offered By
University of Minnesota
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
13 hours to complete
Module 1
This module includes philosophical observations on why it's valuable to have a broadly disseminated appreciation of thermodynamics, as well as some drive-by examples of thermodynamics in action, with the intent being to illustrate up front the practical utility of the science, and to provide students with an idea of precisely what they will indeed be able to do themselves upon completion of the course materials (e.g., predictions of pressure changes, temperature changes, and directions of spontaneous reactions). The other primary goal for this week is to summarize the quantized levels available to atoms and molecules in which energy can be stored. For those who have previously taken a course in elementary quantum mechanics, this will be a review. For others, there will be no requirement to follow precisely how the energy levels are derived--simply learning the final results that derive from quantum mechanics will inform our progress moving forward. Homework problems will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in the application of the above concepts.
9 videos (Total 103 min), 6 readings, 1 quiz
9 videos
Video 1.1 - That Thermite Reaction9m
Video 1.2 - Benchmarking Thermoliteracy12m
Video 1.3 - Quantization of Energy14m
Video 1.4 - The Hydrogen Chloride Cannon12m
Video 1.5 - Atomic Energy Levels16m
Video 1.6 - Diatomic Molecular Energy Levels13m
Video 1.7 - Polyatomic Molecular Energy Levels12m
Video 1.8 - Review of Module 18m
6 readings
Meet the Course Instructor10m
Grading Policy10m
Read Me First10m
Syllabus10m
Resources10m
Module One10m
1 practice exercise
Module 1 Homework 20m
Week
23 hours to complete
Module 2
This module begins our acquaintance with gases, and especially the concept of an "equation of state," which expresses a mathematical relationship between the pressure, volume, temperature, and number of particles for a given gas. We will consider the ideal, van der Waals, and virial equations of state, as well as others. The use of equations of state to predict liquid-vapor diagrams for real gases will be discussed, as will the commonality of real gas behaviors when subject to corresponding state conditions. We will finish by examining how interparticle interactions in real gases, which are by definition not present in ideal gases, lead to variations in gas properties and behavior. Homework problems will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in the application of the above concepts.
8 videos (Total 123 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
8 videos
Video 2.2 - Non-ideal Gas Equations of State15m
Video 2.3 - Gas-Liquid PV Diagrams20m
Video 2.4 - Law of Corresponding States11m
Video 2.5 - Virial Equation of State11m
Video 2.6 - Molecular Interactions23m
Video 2.7 - Other Intermolecular Potentials15m
Video 2.8 - Review of Module 26m
1 reading
Module 210m
1 practice exercise
Module 2 homework20m
Week
32 hours to complete
Module 3
This module delves into the concepts of ensembles and the statistical probabilities associated with the occupation of energy levels. The partition function, which is to thermodynamics what the wave function is to quantum mechanics, is introduced and the manner in which the ensemble partition function can be assembled from atomic or molecular partition functions for ideal gases is described. The components that contribute to molecular ideal-gas partition functions are also described. Given specific partition functions, derivation of ensemble thermodynamic properties, like internal energy and constant volume heat capacity, are presented. Homework problems will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in the application of the above concepts.
8 videos (Total 85 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
8 videos
Video 3.2 - Boltzmann Population15m
Video 3.3 - Ideal Gas Internal Energy10m
Video 3.4 - Ideal Gas Equation of State Redux10m
Video 3.5 - van der Waals Equation of State Redux 6m
Video 3.6 - The Ensemble Partition Function15m
Video 3.7 - The Molecular Partition Function 7m
Video 3.8 - Review of Module 35m
1 reading
Module 310m
1 practice exercise
Module 3 homework20m
Week
42 hours to complete
Module 4
This module connects specific molecular properties to associated molecular partition functions. In particular, we will derive partition functions for atomic, diatomic, and polyatomic ideal gases, exploring how their quantized energy levels, which depend on their masses, moments of inertia, vibrational frequencies, and electronic states, affect the partition function's value for given choices of temperature, volume, and number of gas particles. We will examine specific examples in order to see how individual molecular properties influence associated partition functions and, through that influence, thermodynamic properties. Homework problems will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in the application of the above concepts.
9 videos (Total 116 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
9 videos
Video 4.2 - Ideal Monatomic Gas: Q8m
Video 4.3 - Ideal Monatomic Gas: Properties17m
Video 4.4 - Ideal Diatomic Gas: Part 121m
Video 4.5 - Ideal Diatomic Gas: Part 212m
Video 4.6 - Ideal Diatomic Gas: Q13m
Video 4.7 - Ideal Polyatomic Gases: Part 17m
Video 4.8 - Ideal Polyatomic Gases: Part 212m
Video 4.9 - Review of Module 47m
1 reading
Module 410m
1 practice exercise
Module 4 homework20m
4.9
46 ReviewsTop Reviews
A beautiful well taught course. The lecturers were not boring and the teaching was very lively. It opened my mind to the importance of thermodynamics in many real world applications.
Some of the best lectures I've ever seen. They manage to present difficult and subtle material in a clear manner. Exercises were good too. I learned a lot! Thanks from Norway :)
Instructor
Dr. Christopher J. Cramer
Distinguished McKnight and University Teaching Professor of Chemistry and Chemical PhysicsChemistry
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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