Lecture

CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS

Prepared by Dr. NGUYEN Ngoc Vinh

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 General information

Ø Course Code: CH011IU

Ø Number of Credits: 03
Ø Level: Undergraduate
Ø Course structure: Lecture: 45 hours
Ø Prerequisites: None
Ø Previous course: None
Ø Email: nnvinh@hcmiu.edu.vn
Ø Office hours: Wendnesday (8h30 – 11h00)

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 Course description

Ø This course is designed for engineering students those

who are pursuing a non-chemistry engineering degree
such as information technology, bio-technology, civil,
biomedical, electronic and telecommunication
engineering.
Ø The course will introduce the basic principles of
chemistry and connect those principles to issues in
engineering professions. The related lab-work is not
included in this course.

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 Learning outcome

After this course tudents are able to

demonstrate basic knowledge as follow:

Ø The role of chemistry for engineers; Measurements in chemistry

Ø Matter and state of matter; Structure of atoms, molecules and ions
Ø Periodicity; Chemical bonds; Intermolecular forces, liquid and solid
Ø Gases, liquids, solids and their properties
Ø Types and rates of chemical reactions; Chemical equilibrium
Ø Electrolytes, acid-base, pH, buffer; Electrochemistry
Ø Thermochemistry and thermodynamics; Nuclear chemistry
Ø Development of their critical thinking and problem-solving skills for
applying chemistry in an engineering context
Ø Ability to explain many aspects of everyday life using chemistry concepts
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 Class policy

Ø Students should spend time to read documents and do

homework, exercise, group assignment.
Ø Students are encouraged to discuss, ask questions and give
comments to lecturers.
Ø Plagiarism in reports is forbidden.
Ø According to the International University’s regulation,
attending the class less than 80% of periods is not allowed to
take the final examinations.
Ø Grading: Midterm exam: 30% - Final exam: 50% - others: 20%

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 Content

1. Introduction to general chemistry for engineers

2. Measurements in chemistry
3. Introduction to matter
4. Atoms, molecules and ions
5. Periodicity
6. Chemical bonds
7. Intermolecular forces
8. Gases and their properties
9. Solutions and their properties
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 Content

10. Solids and their properties

11. Chemical reactions
12. Chemical kinetics
13. Chemical equilibrium
14. Electrolytes, acid – base, pH and buffer
15. Themochemistry and thermodynamics
16. Electrochemistry
17. Nuclear chemistry

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 References

1. Lecture note – IU2019 by Nguyen Ngoc Vinh

2. Chemistry for engineers – An applied approach by Mary
Jane Shultz (2007).
3. General chemistry by Darrell Ebbing and Steven D. Gammon
9th Ed., 2010
1. Chemistry: A molecular approach by Nivaldo j. Tro (2 nd Ed.,
20080
2. Chemistry, principles and reactions by Masterton and
Hurley (6th ed., 2009)

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 Chapter 1
Introduction to general chemistry
for engineers

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 Science vs. Engineering vs. Technology

Ø Science: to study of the

physical world (pursuit
of knowledge)
Ø Engineering: to apply
scientific knowledge to
design processes,
structures or
equipment.
Ø Technology: to create
products that
effectively solve
problems and improve
human life. 10
 What is chemistry?

Ø Chemistry is the science

to study the composition,
structure, and properties
of matter, the changes
matter undergoes, and
the energy liberated or
absorbed during those
changes
Ø Matter – anything with
mass and occupies space
Ø Living and nonliving
things are made of
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matter
 Classification of matter

Ø Chemistry is the study of the composition of “matter” its

composition, properties and the changes it undergoes
Ø Matter – anything with mass and occupies space
Ø Chemistry has a definite affect on everyday life – taste of
foods, grades of gasoline, etc.
Ø Living and nonliving things are made of matter

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 5 major areas of chemistry

Ø Analytical chemistry – concerned with the composition of

substances (measurable, identifies
compounds/components)
Ø Inorganic chemistry – primarily deals with substances
without carbon
Ø Organic chemistry – essentially all substances containing
carbon
Ø Biochemistry – chemistry of living things
Ø Physical chemistry – describes the behavior of chemicals
(ex. stretching) involves lots of math
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 Why is chemistry important?

In your education
– Help you learn to gather and organize information
•Qualitative and quantitative
– Help you learn to find patterns in information
– Help you learn to analyze complex systems
– Help you develop skills to predict future events based on
patterns of behavior
– Help you develop problem – solving skills
•Systematic approach
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 Solving problems using
a scientific approach

Ø Define the problem

• Gather information
- Facts
- Observations
Ø Propose solutions
• Organize information and look for patterns
• Hypotheses
Ø Evaluate your proposed solutions
• Test your patterns by using them to predict what will
happen
• Experiments
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 The scientific method?

Ø A process of studying natural phenomena that involves

making observations, forming laws and theories, and
testing theories by experimentation
Ø Make Observations
– Qualitative ⇒ Descriptions
– Quantitative ⇒ Measurements
Ø Formulate Hypotheses
– Possible Explanations for Observed Characteristics or
Behaviors
Ø Perform Experiments
– Test Hypothesis 16
 The scientific method?

Ø Repeat the process until we get a well-tested explanation

Ø Theory ⇒ a set of assumptions put forth to explain some aspect
of the observed behavior of matter
– May need to be modified or discarded as new information
(observations) becomes known
Ø While Experimenting we may Observe the Same Behavior all the
time, and therefore be able to Predict this Behavior will Always
Occur in the Future
Ø Law ⇒ a generally observed behavior
– Without explanation as to why the behavior occurs

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 The difference between
a theory and a law

Ø Laws predict what will

happen
Ø Theories explain why
something happens
– Which will also allow you
to predict what will
happen
Ø Figure: The various parts of
the scientific method

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 The best approach to learning chemistry
Ø Learn the vocabulary of chemistry
– Definitions of terms
– How common vocabulary is applied to chemistry
Ø Memorize important Information
– Names, formulas and charges of polyatomic Ions
– Solubility Rules
Ø Learn and practice processes
– Systematic names and formulas
– Dimensional analysis
Ø Do the questions and exercises at the end of the chapter to
test your understanding and help you see the patterns 19
End of Chapter 1