Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

This course introduces the mathematical and theoretical bases for chemical equilibria and kinetics. The extrema principle will be used to predict the direction of chemical equilibria in a wide variety of chemical and biochemical reactions. This principle shows that reactions which maximize entropy and minimize enthalpy are spontaneous. We will study several ways to calculate familiar quantities like Gibbs energy, as well as new, more sophisticated quantities like partition functions to better understand molecular driving forces. In the last part of the course, we will study reaction kinetics to determine the timescales and possible reaction mechanisms of favorable reactions. Offered only in the spring semester. Prerequisites: CHEM 104, PHYS 104 or 152, MATH 136.