|
Spring 2006 |
Physical Chemistry II |
W.F. Polik |
Course
Objectives: Chemistry 344 is a study of the quantum
mechanical principles that are fundamental to understanding the properties of
molecules. We begin by recognizing the
failure of classical mechanics to account for microscopic phenomena, and then
develop a quantum mechanical approach to account for bonding and spectroscopy
of molecules. We will study several
illustrative model quantum mechanical systems and then turn to the study of
atoms and molecules. In the process, we
undertake a detailed investigation of molecular spectroscopy. Through this course you will:
· Recognize the limitations of classical mechanics in treating atomic and molecular phenomena.
· Understand the concept of quantized energy levels and appreciate the role of Planck's constant, h, in quantum mechanics.
· Use the formal postulates and techniques of quantum mechanics to solve the Schrödinger Equation and interpret its solutions.
· Understand the properties of simple quantum mechanical models (particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, rigid rotator) and relate these results to molecular systems.
· Learn to use perturbation theory and the variational method to solve complicated quantum mechanical problems, such as the electronic energy levels of atoms.
· Understand the approximate separation of electronic, vibrational, and rotational energy levels in molecules.
· Understand the molecular orbital theory of molecular bonding.
· Interpret molecular spectra from a quantum mechanical viewpoint.
· Develop skills in using mathematics, solving problems, and making oral presentations.
Office Hours: Dr. Polik maintains open office hours, and you should feel free to stop by and discuss the course content or any other concerns at any time.
|
Instructor |
Office |
Email |
Telephone |
|
Dr. Polik |
SC 2122 |
polik@hope.edu |
395-7639 |
You are also encouraged to post messages on ChemBoard (www.chem.hope.edu/chemboard).
Text
and Resources: The following text and resources are
required:
McQuarrie, Quantum Chemistry, First Edition
Polik, Lecture Handouts, Spring 2006
There
are also numerous texts in Van Wylen Library that you are encouraged to look
through for additional insight under the call numbers:
QC174 -
QC174.12 Quantum Mechanics
QD453 -
QD469 Quantum
Chemistry
Homework: Solving
homework problems is an essential component of this course. Homework problems are chosen to illustrate
course content and to practice problem solving skills. Working with other students to understand and
solve homework problems is encouraged; however, the work you turn in must be
your own. Homework assignments are to be
turned in at the start of the Friday lecture each week, except exam weeks. Late homework will not be accepted.
In
order to assist you with the homework, the scheduled Wednesday afternoon
discussion, 3:00 pm to 3:50 pm, will be devoted to student
presentations of the problems due the following Friday. All students are expected to attend the
discussion sections. Students will be
assigned a homework problem to workout beforehand, make an oral presentation of
the solution using the whiteboard, and answer audience questions about their
solution. Presenters will also monitor
Chemboard and reply to questions related to their problem.
Exams: There
will be four exams, three of which will be given in class during the semester
and the fourth during final exam week.
Exam problems will be derived from both the assigned homework and the
lecture material and are designed to test your ability to put the concepts
learned in the course to use. The final
exam will include both recently covered material and a standardized cumulative
test. The exam schedule follows:
|
Exam |
Date |
Material |
|
1 |
Wednesday, 2/8 |
Chaps. 1, 2, 3 |
|
2 |
Wednesday, 3/8 |
Chaps. 4, 5, 10 |
|
3 |
Wednesday, 4/12 |
Chaps. 6, 7, 10 |
|
4 |
Tuesday, 5/2, |
Chaps. 1-10; 8, 9 |
Honor
Code: Academic integrity is assumed. Do not cross the line between working with
other students to solve homework problems and copying the solutions of others. Verbatim copying of solutions presented in
discussion section is specifically forbidden; however, you may use the
presented solution as a guide as you work out each step of the solution on your
own. Violations will be dealt with
according to
Grading: Your
performance in the course will be evaluated as follows:
|
3 Homework Problem
Presentations (@ 15 pts) |
45
pts |
7% |
|
10 of 11 Homework Sets (@ 20 pts) |
200 pts |
31% |
|
4 Exams (@ 100 pts) |
400 pts |
62% |
|
Total |
645 pts |
100% |
The
three best oral presentations will be counted.
The lowest homework score will be dropped. No exam scores will be dropped.