2021 Faculty Courses School of Materials and Chemical Technology Undergraduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
Physical Chemistry (Kinetic Theory of Molecules) A
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Hiroyuki Wada
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Fri (S421)
- Class
- A
- Course Code
- CAP.B219
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2021
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
[Description of the course] In this course, the instructor will explain the kinetic theory of gases, fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics, Boltzmann distributions, molecular partition function, collision theory, and transition state theory.
[Aim of the course] It is important to analyze reaction rates when a chemical reaction is performed. In this course, students acquire the ability to deduce reaction rates by use of collision theory and transition state theory drawn from the kinetic theory of gases and statistical thermodynamics, respectively.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students acquire the following abilities:
(1) Ability to explain pressure and collision of molecules using kinetic theory based on classical mechanics.
(2) Ability to explain the fundamentals of statistical thermodynamics.
(3) Ability to deduce reaction rates using collision theory and transition state theory drawn from classical mechanics and statistical thermodynamics, respectively.
Keywords
statistical thermodynamics, Boltzmann distribution, molecular partition function, collision theory, transition state theory
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
This course will proceed in the following order:(1) kinetic theory of gases, (2) statistical thermodynamics, (3) molecular dynamics in reactions. On the last day, students will do exercises for checking their comprehension, and the instructor will provide explanation about the exercises.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Kinetic model of gases, Molecular collision in gas phase | Explain kinetic model of gases. Derive collision frequency and mean free path. |
| Class 2 | Collision theory | Derive reaction rate constants from collision theory. |
| Class 3 | Boltzmann distribution, Molecular partition function | Explain Boltzmann distribution. Derive molecular partition functions. |
| Class 4 | thermodynamic function, chemical equilibrium | Explain thermodynamic function and chemical equilibrium. |
| Class 5 | Transition state theory, Dynamics of molecular collision | Derive reaction rate constants from transition state theory. Explain dynamics of molecular collision. |
| Class 6 | transport phenomena | Explain transport phenomena (diffusion, thermal conduction, viscosity). |
| Class 7 | Practice problems and remarks for confirming the level of understanding | Solve practice problems by accurately understanding all of the above lectures |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
P. Atkins, J. de Paula, "Physical Chemistry", 10th Ed., Oxford University Press; ISBN-13: 978-0199697403
Reference books, course materials, etc.
None required
Evaluation methods and criteria
Final examination (70%), level of class participation (30%) (The level of class participation will be calculated by quizzes and so on in the class.)
Related courses
- LAS.C107 ： Basic Chemical Thermodynamics
- CAP.B216 ： Physical Chemistry I (Thermodynamics)
- CAP.B217 ： Physical Chemistry II (Chemical Equilibrium)
- CAP.B218 ： Physical Chemistry III (Kinetics)
Prerequisites
The condition of the study will not be made, but it is desirable to study LAS.C107 ： Basic Chemical Thermodynamics, CAP.B216 ： Physical Chemistry I (Thermodynamics), CAP.B217 ： Physical Chemistry II (Chemical Equilibrium), CAP.B218 ： Physical Chemistry III (Kinetics).
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
Hiroyuki Wada (wada.h.ac[at]m.titech.ac.jp)
Office hours
Make an appointment by an e-mail in advance.