General Chemistry II | CHEM.X001_B

This course explores chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solution pH, buffers, and chemical kinetics. Students will analyze reaction dynamics, equilibrium shifts, and the factors influencing reaction rates, building essential skills for advanced studies in chemistry and the life sciences. 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Apply the gas laws to describe and predict the behavior of gases under varying temperature, pressure, and volume conditions in both theoretical and practical contexts.
• Analyze chemical and physical equilibrium systems, including gas-phase and aqueous equilibria, to determine the direction and extent of chemical reactions.
• Explain the principles of acid-base chemistry, including strength, dissociation, pH calculations, and the behavior of acids and bases in different chemical environments.
• Apply the laws of thermodynamics to evaluate energy changes, entropy, and spontaneity of chemical reactions, and interpret their implications for reaction feasibility.
• Identify and balance redox reactions, and describe the flow of electrons in chemical processes involving oxidation and reduction.

Topics Include

• Quantitative and Stoichiometric Reasoning Students develop core quantitative skills-mole calculations, molar mass, and stoichiometry-to analyze chemical reactions, including those involving gases, solutions, and redox processes.
• Gas Laws and Chemical Equilibrium The course examines the behavior of gases and the principles governing equilibrium in gaseous and aqueous systems, emphasizing the dynamic nature of reversible reactions.
• Acid-Base Chemistry Students explore the properties, equilibria, and reactions of acids and bases, including pH, buffer systems, and titrations, through both conceptual and quantitative lenses.
• Thermodynamics and Reaction Energetics Key thermodynamic principles-including the First and Second Laws, entropy, and Gibbs free energy-are used to evaluate the spontaneity and energy changes in chemical reactions.
• Redox Reactions and Electron Transfer The course concludes with oxidation-reduction processes, focusing on electron flow, energy transfer, and stoichiometric analysis of redox systems.

Expected Effort

At UC schools, 1 credit hour typically requires about 3 hours of student work per week. Actual class meeting times may vary by course.

Course Eligibility and Prerequisites

Prerequisites: CHEM.X001_A (General Chemistry I) with a grade of C or better or equivalent non-UCSC course. Previous or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or higher.

This course is intended for postbaccalaureate students. UCSC undergraduates should follow their major's course requirements.