ATM S 358, Spring 1999

Introduction to Thermodynamics & Cloud Processes

Instructor: Professor Peter V. Hobbs
504 Atmospheric Sciences Bldg., 543-6027
phobbs@atmos.washington.edu

Lectures: MWF, 9:30-10:20 AM, Room 310C ATG.

Midterm Exam: 9:30-10:20 AM, Friday, 30 April

Final Exam: 8:30-10:20 AM, Wednesday, 9 June.

Grading: 40% on midterm exam and 60% on final exam.

Textbook: "Basic Physical Chemistry for the Atmospheric Sciences" by Peter V. Hobbs. Cambridge University Press, 1995.

Study Time Outside of Class: About 5 hours per week.

Purpose of Course:

This course provides a short review of the basic principles of physical chemistry (since little previous knowledge of this subject is assumed). These principles are then applied to various aspects of the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere.

Course Outline:

1. Review of basic chemical principles: chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics; acids and bases; oxidation-reduction; and, photochemistry.

2. Evolution of the Earth's atmosphere and its present chemical composition.

3. Sources, transformation, transport and sinks of gases in the Earth's atmopshere.

4. Particles in the Earth's atmosphere.

5. Biogeochemical cycles of sulfur, nitrogen and carbon.

6. Air pollution; acid rain.

7. Stratospheric chemistry; the ozone hole.

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