Time Schedule:
William P. Reinhardt
CHEM 456
Seattle Campus
Chemical thermodynamics. Laws of thermodynamics presented with applications to phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, and solutions. No more than the number of credits indicated can be counted toward graduation from the following course group: CHEM 452, CHEM 456 (3 credits). Prerequisite: either CHEM 155 or CHEM 162; either MATH 126 or MATH 136; either PHYS 116 or PHYS 123; recommended: MATH 307. Offered: WS.
Class description
I'm looking forward to teaching Chem 456, Thermodynamics is actually just as weird as Quantum Mechanics, but in distinctly different ways. I find it totally captivating, I plan on convincing you of same: There is no other part of the physical sciences where so little physical input, combined with so much intellect, gives results of such generality and importance: for Chem, BioChem, Biology, Geology, Physics, Weather etc. etc., AND for the understanding of the physics/chemistry (not the politics!) of the ENERGY CRISIS which currently dominates the local, national, and international news.
Student learning goals
understand HEAT, WORK, and ENERGY
understand the empirical definition of ENTROPY & "how it all works". What is "temperature?"
understand why "heat pumps" can run at well more that 100% efficiency; while "heat engines" are always less that 100% efficient, and often much less! This has a lot to do with thinking about energy use policy, and "real life!"
Understand Chemical Equilibrium
Predicting values of equilibrium constants
General method of instruction
Hard work, combining concepts with "the math," lots of short problem sets, lots of enthusiastic help!
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
