Unit 5 Thermodynamics
Introduction
Chemistry involves changes in energy as much as changes in matter. The study of the change in energy of chemical reactions allows us to predict whether a reaction may happen or not. Some reactions can occur on their own, but other reactions require energy input to occur, just as a ball does not roll up a hill on its own but requires someone to push the ball up the hill. Even as we learn about chemistry, energy is needed to power the computer, tablet, or phone for reading this textbook online and for working on Moodle assignments. Moreover, we use energy for the development of communities, industries, and technologies. The energy harnessed from chemical reactions is a necessary part of society.
Unit Learning Objectives
- Explain the relationship between heat, work, and energy.
- Relate energy to the temperature change of a substance.
- Compute the energy change of a chemical reaction.
- Explain entropy as a measure of the number of configurations a system can assume.
- Predict whether a chemical reaction or phase change can happen.
Unit 5 Sections
5.1 The First Law of Thermodynamics
5.5 Entropy and the Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics
5.6 Spontaneity of a Chemical Reaction
Each section has a reading portion, self-check question, and a set of practice exercises with solutions. This course has a strong emphasis on solving problems by applying concepts from the reading portions. Thus, working through the self-check questions and practice exercises is important for learning how to apply concepts in chemistry. The supplementary resources and supplementary activities within the sections are not for marks but provide alternative perspectives to enhance understanding of the course material.
Unit 5 Assignment (on Moodle)
The Unit 5 Assignment includes concepts from all the sections of the unit. There may be a mix of written response and multiple-choice questions. The assignment is worth 11% of the course grade.
