Department of Chemistry

Western Illinois University

Spring 2013, Course Syllabus

Course Title:Chem. 375, Physical Chemistry II

Classroom: 315 Currens, Tu & Thu, @ 11:00-12:15

Instructor:Gilles Kouassi, PhD

Office: 519C B Currens Hall

Office hours: Tu, W, & Thu, 12:15:1.35 or on appointment

Office phone: 309-298-1727

E-mail:

Course objective: The course is aimed at providing the student with a strong background on the basic concepts and methods of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is the theory of the microscopic word. It is a difficult and “complex theory”. I expect the students to grasp the basic theory of QM and to find them useful whether they are chemistry majors, biologists, engineers or earth scientists. The key goals of the course are:

1.  To learn the rules of quantum mechanics.

2.  Discuss the quantum theory.

3.  To help the students learn how to solve numerical problems that emphasizes features in quantum theory.

Course Format: Chem. 375 focuses on quantum mechanics. In physical chemistry, mastery of a concept is exhibited by the ability to solve problems. Mathematics is an integral part of physical chemistry and you need to understand the math well enough to solve the problems. I expect that you will work and understand all of the assigned problems. Problem sets will be due approximately once per week, likely on Thursday. Late problem sets will not be accepted. You are encouraged to work in your problem sets in a study group. Each person should hand in his own solutions to the problem sets and should understand them.

Prerequisites:You must have completed Chem. 202, Math 101 or higher, Physics 1 or equivalent and Chem. 374

Course materials:The book for the course is Physical Chemistry 4th Edition, by Silber, Albert, and Bawendi. ISBN: 978-0-471-21504-2

Attendance: You are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. All students are responsible for all information and materials given in class whether they are present or not. Any student who receives four or more absences may be dropped from this course without notice. All unexcused absences at a test should result in a zero. Individual with excused absences should be given consideration at the end of the semester. Absences will be excused on the basis of official university policy. To secure an excused absence, bring verification to Dr. Gilles Kouassi.

Grading:

3 exams / 300 points
3 quizzes / 60 points
Homework assignments / 100 points
Class participation / 30 points
Comprehensive final exam / 150 points
Total / 640 points

Grading scale

A 92% - 100%

A− 87% - 91%

B+ 83% - 86%

B 80% - 82%

B− 77% - 79%

C+ 73% - 76%

C 70% - 72%

C− 67% - 69%

D+ 64% - 66%

D 62% - 63%

D− 60% - 61%

F 59% and below

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE

Quantum mechanics

1.  Quantum theory

·  Introduction and principles

·  The Heisenberg uncertainty principles

2.  The Classical wave equation

Exam 1 (Tuesday, February 14)

3.  The Schrödinger Equation

·  Particle in one dimensional Box

·  Particle in a three –dimensional Box.

·  Mathematics Review on Complex numbers

·  Operators

·  Particle in one dimensional box

·  Particle in three dimensional box

·  Commutation

4.  Quantum mechanics of harmonic oscillator and rigid rotator.

5.  The postulate of Quantum mechanics and the time dependent Schrödinger

Exam 2 (Tuesday, March 22)

6.  Atomic structure: the Schrödinger equation for hydrogen atoms

·  The spectrum of hydrogen atoms

·  Eigenfunctions and probability density

·  Orbital angular momentum of the hydrogenlike atoms

·  The Pauli Principle

·  Hartree-Fock self-consistent field method

·  Ionization energy and electron affinity

·  The periodic table and the Aufbau principle

·  Atomic term symbols

·  Exam 3 (Thursday, April 19)

7.  Molecular electronic structure

·  The Born –Oppenheimer approximation

·  The hydrogen molecule ion

·  Calculation of the energy of the hydrogen molecule ion

·  Molecular orbital description of the hydrogen molecule

·  Electron configuration of homonuclear diatomic molecules

·  Dipole-moment ion ionic bonding

8.  Symmetry

Final Exam Week in May (Thursday 10 am)

Statement on Ethics: Western Illinois University, like all communities, functions best when its members treat one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and trust. Students have rights and responsibilities (http://www.wiu.edu/provost/student/). Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty constitute a serious violation of university conduct regulations. Students who engage in dishonesty in any form shall be charged with academic dishonesty. (http://sjp.wiu.edu/CodeOfConduct/index.asp)

Students with Disabilities: In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation. For the instructor to provide the proper accommodation(s) you must obtain documentation of the need for an accommodation through Disability Resource Center (DRC) and provide it to the instructor. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor's attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency. Contact Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 298-2512 for additional services

Emergency Preparedness: WIU Office of Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness provide resources on how to respond to emergency situations. Please view the video resources at www.wiu.edu/rmep/ (Click “Resources” on the right side of the page).

SYLLABUS MAY BE SUBJECTED TO CHANGES, WITH NOTICE.