Gases and Electrochemistry

In this course, students will explore the fundamental principles governing the behavior of gases and the essential concepts of electrochemistry. The course begins with an introduction to the basic properties of gases, focusing on measurable characteristics such as pressure, volume, and temperature. Students will apply key gas laws—Boyle’s Law, Charles’ Law, and Avogadro’s Law—to explain the relationships between these variables and solve problems using the Ideal Gas Law. Additionally, the course covers Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures and its real-world applications, as well as calculations involving the molar mass of gases and deviations from ideal gas behavior under certain conditions. The second part of the course covers redox reactions and electrochemistry, where students will define oxidation and reduction, balance redox reactions, and explore the operation of galvanic cells. Using standard reduction potentials, students will predict the spontaneity of redox reactions and understand the relationship between cell potential, Gibbs free energy, and reaction spontaneity. Lastly, students will apply the Nernst equation to calculate cell potential under non-standard conditions. 3b:T1361,{"@

• Understand Gas Laws and Behavior – Describe the properties of gases and apply gas laws (Boyle’s, Charles’, Avogadro's and Ideal Gas Law) to solve problems involving pressure, volume, temperature, and quantity.
• Analyze Gas Mixtures and Non-Ideal Behavior – Calculate partial pressures using Dalton’s Law and evaluate conditions where gases deviate from ideal behavior.
• Master Redox Reactions – Define oxidation and reduction, identify oxidizing and reducing agents, and balance redox reactions in acidic and basic solutions.
• Explore Electrochemical Cells – Identify key components of galvanic cells, calculate cell potential using standard reduction potentials, and determine reaction spontaneity.
• Apply Electrochemical Principles – Relate cell potential to Gibbs free energy, predict spontaneity, and use the Nernst equation to analyze non-standard conditions.

• CHEM-421: Foundations in Thermodynamics
• CHEM-422: Elements, Chemicals, and Reactions
• CHEM-423: Organic Compounds