The final course in the Chemistry 1-4 sequence will examine the energetics of chemical changes. Focusing on the enthalpic and entropic contributions to free energy change, we will examine how energy or work can be extracted from chemical systems and how these systems behave as they tend toward equilibrium. The energetics of electron transfer reactions will be examined along with the practical considerations of making use of such reactions to power electric devices. The laboratory will primarily serve as a vehicle for students to pursue independent research that may or may not be directly related to lecture material.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will learn:
- the significance of "free energy" in the context of the energetics of chemical reactions and how it determines how much work can be extracted from such systems
- the difference between enthalpic and entropic changes to chemical systems and how they determine the free energy change under standard and non-standard conditions
- how the equilibrium condition relates to free energy change
- the principles of electron transfer reactions and how they can be practically harnessed to power electric devices
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
Pre-requisites: Chemistry 1-3; Email instructor (jbullock@bennington.edu) to register.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 3:40PM-5:30PM, T 2:10PM-5:50PM (Lab) (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 16
Course Frequency: Once a year
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Chemistry , Day/Time Changes , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , Updates
Tags: chemistry , energy , independent research , lab science , pre-med , STEM