General Chemistry (KJE150)

On completion of the General Chemistry course, KJE150, the students should be able to:

• classify reactions in aqueous solution into neutralization reactions, precipitation reactions, and redox reactions.
• define enthalpy change and explain how it can be measured in a coffee-cup calorimeter and how we apply the first law of thermodynamics in such measurements.
• explain when a reaction has reached its chemical equilibrium and recognize the role of chemical equilibrium in the La Châtelier’s principle.
• explain the difference between a spontaneous and nonspontaneous reaction and how to use the reaction free energy to decide whether a reaction occurs spontaneously or not.
• define change in entropy and recognize how it is used in the second law of thermodynamics to decide whether a process is spontaneous or nonspontaneous.
• define a solution and recognize the parameters that affect the solubility of a solute in a solvent.
• define colligative properties (vapor-pressure lowering, boiling-point elevation, freezing point depression, and osmose) and explain the role of entropy change in such physical properties of solutions.
• describe the difference between a galvanic cell and electrolytic cell and explain the role of redox reactions in such cells.
• use the Nernst equation to calculate the cell potential.
• define a base and acid by using the Brønsted-Lowry and Arrhenius acid-base theory, respectively, and to define pH. The students will be able to employ the acid and base definitions to calculate the pH of a solution.
• define a buffer and being able to explain why its pH changes only little when a small amount of strong acid or base is added.
• give examples of parameters that affect the rate of a reaction.
• explain the difference between first and second order reactions.
• carry out simple and safe laboratory experiments
• write lab reports

Compulsory course attendance that must be completed and approved before access to the laboratory: Electronic Course in Health, Safety and Environment (HMS - kurs).

Compulsory attendance at the laboratory course with exercises 4 hours per week for 8 weeks. The laboratory work includes 6-7 exercises which must be approved on a pass/fail basis in order to get access to the final exam.

Valid absence due to illness or other reasons must be communicated as soon as possible to teaching staff.

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Due to limited capacity in the laboratory, the course will only be available to students enrolled in study programs where the course is included as compulsory, or as a recommended elective, in the education plan.

Students who do not have the course in their original education plan, but wish to follow the course, can apply for admission.