Spring 2007

Physical Chemistry Laboratory II Chemistry 346

W.F. Polik

Course Objectives: Chemistry 346 is a laboratory course designed to study the interaction of light and matter (spectroscopy). The light used in this course is electromagnetic radiation ranging from infrared (IR) to ultraviolet (UV), which interacts with molecular rotations and vibrations and with the electronic structure of molecules. Concepts and results from quantum mechanics are used to interpret experimental spectra, and the results are related to molecular properties. The specific experiments in this course are chosen to illustrate ideas explored in Physical Chemistry II (Chemistry 344). Through this course you will:

· Develop an understanding of molecular spectroscopy and its use in determining molecular structure and properties.

· Relate spectroscopic observations to the quantum mechanical description of electronic, vibrational, and rotational energy levels of molecules.

· Become familiar with common techniques and instruments in spectroscopy, in particular, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectrscopy.

· Expand your ability to make accurate and precise measurements of chemical systems and to critically evaluate the reliability of data.

· Improve your skills in keeping a research-style laboratory notebook.

· Refine your ability to present and critique written scientific reports.

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).

Mechanics: You will do four experiments in the general areas of electronic, vibrational, and rotational spectroscopy. Specific instructions for each experiment are given on handouts. Students must obtain and wear safety glasses at all times in the laboratory.

Each experiment spans a three week period. You are expected to have read the laboratory handout before the first lab period, focussing on the background and procedure of the experiment. The first lab period is used to learn about the experiment and the techniques and instrument you will use to acquire data. You and your partner are responsible for acquiring the required data prior to the start of the second lab period. The second lab period is used to discuss your data analysis. All data tables and analysis are due in your notebook at the start of the third lab period. The third lab period is used to discuss your results and data analysis with the instructor. The formal lab report is due at the start of the next lab period.

All experiments are done with an assigned laboratory partner. Each partner keeps an individual laboratory notebook record, records spectral data, and writes an individual laboratory report. Discussion between laboratory partners and other students is encouraged when analyzing data; however, laboratory reports are to be individual efforts.

Laboratory Notebook: A bound laboratory notebook is required of each student. Pages must be consecutively numbered, work must be dated, and a table of contents is required in the front. The notebook will serve as a written record of your involvement with the course. Notes on operation of instruments are to be recorded in pen in the laboratory notebook. All observations during the laboratory session must be recorded in pen in the laboratory notebook. All intermediate calculations required for laboratory reports are also to be performed in the notebook, not on loose pages of paper. All fundamental data (spectra) must be taped into your notebook. By the beginning of the third period of each experiment, students are to have constructed tables and performed the required data analysis in their notebooks to aid in the final step of writing the formal report. The data analysis and tables will be checked and graded by the instructor at the beginning of the third period of each of experiment. Experimental results will also be posted on ChemBoard.

Laboratory Reports: Although experiments are performed with a partner, each student will turn in an individual report. A standard format must be followed for which directions are provided. Laboratory reports must be word processed, although equations and scientific symbols may be neatly handwritten in pen. There is a limit of 2500 words (approximately 6 double-spaced pages) for the text of the report. Figures, calculations, and tables do not count toward this limit. Reports are due at the beginning of each laboratory session on the indicated dates. It is not instructive to allow unfinished laboratory reports to accumulate and to work on several at once. Therefore, late reports will be assessed a penalty of 2 points per day.

Report Reviews: Twice during the semester, you will be asked to write reviews of anonymous laboratory reports written by your peers. Your reviews will be graded and then returned anonymously to the laboratory report author. Late reviews will be assessed a penalty of 2 points per day.

Honor Code: Academic integrity is assumed. You are encouraged to work with your lab partner and other students to record data and to understand the laboratory exercises and calculations. You may look at another student’s notebook or spreadsheet to learn how to perform a calculation, but you may not directly copy calculations from another notebook. The text of the written report must be entirely your own work. Under no circumstances may you look at another student's written report prior to turning in your own report. Violations will be dealt with according to Hope College's Code for Academic Integrity as stated in the Hope College Catalog.

Grading: Your performance in the course will be evaluated as follows:

5 Data Tables and Analyses (@ 5 pts)	25 pts	10 %
4 Lab Reports (@ 50 pts)	200 pts	78 %
2 Report Reviews (@ 10 pts)	20 pts	8 %
Notebook	10 pts	4 %
Total	255 pts	100 %

In grading laboratory reports, emphasis will be placed on: an informative introduction with a clear statement of purpose, a description of the spectroscopic apparatus, documentation of experimental procedures, clear presentation of results, effective use of tables and graphs, accurate results and interpretation, and substantive discussion. Conciseness and clarity will be rewarded. Your notebook will be graded for completeness, organization, and legibility.