Chemistry

The lectures are aimed at the presentation and development of materials that constitute the core of the course.
Lectures follow a script based on slides, with frequent use of the blackboard and dialogue with the students. In the problem solving classes, practical examples are presented aiming at enhancing the understanding of the lectures, the students being helped to solve them on their own. Students attending at least 75% of theoretical lectures and problem solving classes have a “continuous” component in their evaluation, consisting of three short tests during those classes. The final grade is calculated with 25% (5 points) weight for these tests and 75% (15 points) for the final exam. The remaining students just have the final examination, in which they are required to obtain at least 47.5% (9.50 out of 20 points) to succeed.

The objectives defined for this course are related to the role of Chemistry, which is at a time fundamental and of pedagogical support. The approach taken aims at the use of chemistry in the study of mechanical engineering. The goal is to give students an overview of the basics of chemistry whom, at the end, should be able to:
-Solve simple physicochemical problems, using the appropriate formulas, without difficulties in what units, concentrations, reactions yields or phase changes are concerned;
-Identify, interpret and be able to communicate the relationship between the microstructure and the properties of materials;
-Predict the evolution of chemical systems based on thermodynamic data;
-Interpret and communicate the mechanisms involved in the deterioration of metals by electrochemical processes;
-Complement and consolidate the knowledge of the subjects covered in the UC, being able to obtain new knowledge through the use of library materials, databases, internet, etc.

Electronic Structure of Atoms and Periodic Table: Electromagnetic Radiation. Planck equation. Quantum numbers and atomic orbitals. The electron configurations. The periodicity of atomic properties.
Chemical Bond and Molecular Structure: Ionic and covalent bond. Valence-bond theory.
Intermolecular Forces: Polarity and dipole moment. Phase diagrams.
Chemical Reactions: Stoichiometric calculations. Limiting reactants. Electrolytes. Colligative properties.
The Properties of Gases: The Gas Laws, the ideal gas equation and Dalton law. The Kinetic Theory of gases.
Chemical Equilibria: Equilibrium constants. Le Châtelier’s principle.
Thermodynamics: The First law; work and heat. State functions. Enthalpy. Entropy: spontaneous change; entropy and disorder. Second and third laws of thermodynamics. Gibbs Free Energy.
Electrochemistry: Balancing redox equations. Galvanic Cells. Reference electrode and standard reduction potential.
Spontaneity of reactions.

NAO