Jordan University of Science and Technology

Faculty of Science and Arts

Department of Chemistry

Second Semester 2007

Course Information
Course Title / Physical Chemistry (III)
Course Number / Chem. 447
Prerequisites / Math 203, and Chem. 347
Course Website / Under-construction
Instructor / Dr. Nathir Al-Rawashdeh
Office Location / N2L0
Office Phone / Tel. # 7201000 Ext. 23486
Office Hours / Mon & Wed at 11:15-12:15, Tues. at 2-3 pm
E-mail /
Teaching Assistant / None
Course Description
This course deals mainly with an introduction to quantum mechanics, chemical spectroscopy, surface chemistry, and transport properties. In practice, this course introduces a new aspect of physical chemistry, one that is concerned with the structures and properties of atoms and molecules. This course begins by outlining what is known about wave motion, which played a prominent part in the development of quantum theory and of quantum mechanics. Then, the first successful application of quantum theory to the hydrogen atom and hydrogenlike atoms will be discussed in details. Also, an application of principles of quantum mechanics to a number of problems of basic importance (such as particle in the box, harmonic oscillator, and a vibrating molecule) will be discussed.
The second subject in this course deals mainly with foundations of chemical spectroscopy. Spectroscopy is concerned with the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation. This subject is quite important since spectroscopic measurements, combined with theoretical interpretations, provide very detailed information about chemical structure and the arrangement of electrons in atoms and molecules. Also, analysis of the molecular spectra provides interatomic distances and information about molecular geometries and the strength of bonds.
At the end, this course will introduce the student to the behavior of different kinds of surfaces and, in particular, with the nature of adsorption. Also, will introduce the student to properties that depend on rates of movement of matter or energy (i.e. transport properties).
Text Book
Title / Physical Chemistry
Author(s) / Laidler, K.J.; Meiser, J.H.; Sanctuary, B. C.
Publisher / Houghton Mifflin Company
Year / 2003
Edition / 4th Ed.
Book Website / www.chemistry.college.hmco.com
References / 1. Physical Chemistry by Atkins, P.W.
2. Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy by Banwell, C. N.
Assessment Policy
Assessment Type / Expected Due Date / Weight
First Exam / Tuesday March 27, 2007. / 30%
Second Exam / Tuesday May 8, 2007. / 30%
Final Exam / May 26- June 4, 2007 / 40%
Assignments
Course Objectives / Weights
1.  Exhibit a basic knowledge of classical electromagnetic wave, blackbody radiation, Bohr model of the atom, the historical development of quantum mechanics and the Uncertainty principle. / 20%
2.  Understand the Schrodinger equation, and solve the schrodinger equation for some simple systems. / 25%
3.  Understand the origin of spectroscopy, the spectroscopic selection rules, and the principles of atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy / 15%
4.  Understand how spectroscopic studies in different regions of the spectrum probe different types of molecular transitions: rotational, rotational-vibrational, and electronic of diatomic molecules. / 20%
5.  Describe diatomic molecular spectroscopy. / 10%
6.  Describe the types of adsorption, develop the equations necessary to derive the Langmuir isotherm, and describe how competitive adsorption occurs. Explain the conditions under which the BET isotherm occurs. Understand the surface reactions mechanisms. Furthermore, understand the various ways to measure viscosity. / 10%
Teaching & Learning Methods
Class periods will be a mixture of theory, analysis, demonstration, and discussion. I believe in the active-learner approach. You are required to read.
Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to
Related Objective(s) / Reference(s)
1 / Chapter 11
1,2 / Chapter 11
1-6 / Ch. 11, 13, 18, and 19.
3,4 / Chapter 13 and Handouts
5,6 / Ch. 13 and 18
6 / Chapter 18
5 / Chapter 13 and Handouts
Useful Resources
http://yclept.ucdavis.edu/course/215A/Class.html.
Other books, good for various kinds of reference, are
·  C. Cohen-Tannoudji et al., Quantum Mechanics, also a good text.
·  D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, instructive.
·  P. A. M. Dirac, The Principles of Quantum Mechanics, God's word, but not for text.
·  J. L. Eisberg, Fundamentals of Modern Physics, undergraduate level, but useful.
·  R. P. Feynman, Feynman Lectures on Physics I: Quantum Mechanics, for a change.
·  L. D. Landau & E. M. Lifshitz, Quantum Mechanics, a classic.
·  A. Messiah, Quantum Mechanics, not really for beginners.
·  A. R. Edmonds, Angular Momentum in Quantum Mechanics, classic reference on a specific topic.
·  B. Thaller, Visual Quantum Mechanics, will draw examples from this.
Course Content
Week / Topics / Chapter in Text (handouts)
1 / Wave nature of matter;
Simple harmonic motion; Type of waves / Chapter 11
2 / The failure of classical physics / Chapter 11
3 / Einstein and the quantization of radiation; Bohr’s atomic theory. / Chapter 11
4 / Wave nature of electrons;
de Broglie equation;
Uncertainty principle / Chapter 11
5 / Operators, Eigenfunctions and normalization, Operators rules / Chapter 11
6 / Free particle;
Particle in a box;
Harmonic oscillator. / Chapter 11
7 / Electromagnetic radiation characterization;
The laws of Lambert and Beer;
Selection rules. / Chapter 13 and Handouts
8 /

Atomic Spectra;

Pure rotational spectra of molecules (Rigid Roter) / Chapter 13 and Handouts
9 / Vibrational spectroscopy (Harmonic Oscillator) / Chapter 13 and Handouts
10 / Vibrational-Rotational spectra of molecules / Chapter 13 and Handouts
11 / Adsorption; Adsorption Isotherms. / Chapter 18
12 / Adsorption without dissociation;
Adsorption with dissociation / Chapter 18
13 / Competitive adsorption / Chapter 18
14 / Freundlich isotherm,
BET isotherm / Chapter 18
15 / Viscosity / Chapter 19
16 / Diffusion; Sedimentation / Chapter 19
Additional Notes
Assignments / A set of problems will be assigned at somewhat irregular intervals but will always be due before class on each due date. Policy on late homework: late homework will not be accepted without a serious or compelling reason.
Exams / There will be two exams and a comprehensive final. If an exam is missed for a documented serious and compelling reason (e.g., signed doctor's excuse), a make-up exam will be held at a time and place of the instructor's discretion. Equation sheets will be provided during the exams. Please bring only pencils and calculators to the exams.
Tentative Exam Schedule:
1. Two Majors (Class Tests): 2 x 30% = 60%
I. First Exam: Tuesday March 27, 2007.
II. Second Exam: Tuesday May 8, 2007.
2. Final Exam: May 26-June 4, 2007 40%
TOTAL 100%
Cheating / Academic dishonesty of any form will not be tolerated. University policies on cheating and plagiarism (see Students' Guide) will be strictly enforced.
Attendance / You are required to attend all lectures. Please see me if you have an extended illness or family emergency. You must initial the attendance sheet on the side blackboard every day so that I have a quick check of who is missing.
Workload / …………….
Graded Exams / …………….
Participation / No points, but students are highly encouraged to participate in the discussion.
Laboratory / None
Projects / None
Disclaimer / The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this course and its administration as reasonable and necessary.