Aim
To provide basic understanding of and knowledge about chemical processes and phenomena. Fundamental understanding of structure and reactivity of inorganic compounds and knowledge about the principles of chemical formulae and important chemical concepts in the Swedish and the English language.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• understand the meaning of chemical formulae and reaction equations

• be familiar with, be able to describe, explain, and use fundamental chemical concepts

• be familiar with and be able to describe qualitatively and use simple theoretical approaches to chemical bonding

• be able to explain the meaning of thermodynamic functions and simple thermodynamic relations

• be able to describe and explain the meaning of electrochemical processes

• be able to deduce integrated rate laws and relate changes in the rate of a chemical reaction to changes in temperature.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to set up and actively use reaction equations for describing chemical reactions

• be able to describe basic structures of inorganic solids

• be able to describe qualitatively intermolecular and intramolecular forces in chemical substances

• be able to draw up and solve chemical equilibrium problems.

Contents
Fundamental chemical processes related to applications in nano science and technology are described and explained.

The course comprises

• Fundamental chemical concepts

• The structure of atoms and the periodic table

• Chemical formulae, reactions, and stoichiometry

• The states of matter: gases, liquids, solids, and phase transitions

• Solutions

• Chemical bonding

• Geometry of molecules

• Intermolecular forces: dispersion forces, hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole and ion-dipole interactions.

• Chemical thermodynamics: Enthalpy, entropy, internal energy, and free energy and their interrelations. The first, second and third laws of thermodynamics. Standard etnthalpy of formation and reaction.

• Chemical equilibrium with basic numerical applications

• Electrochemistry: Redox processes. The electrochemical cell.

• Chemical kinetics: The rate constant and the temperature dependence of the rate constant. The initial rate method. Activation energy. Chain reactions

Literature
Atkins P. and Jones, L.: Chemical Principles, The Quest for Insight, 4:th ed, Freeman 2007/2008. ISBN 9780716799030.