Chem 113C Final Exam Study Guide
I. Probability and Boltzmann Distribution
• Know the definition of multiplicity and probability
• Know the formula for permutations of a sequence on N objects
• Know the average value, the variance and the nth moment of a distribution
• Know the Boltzmann Distribution formula
• Know the two probability-based formulas for entropy
𝑆 = 𝑘ln 𝑊 ≡ 𝑘ln Ω = −𝑘 � 𝑃�
�ln 𝑃�
II. Canonical Ensemble, Partition Functions and Statistical Thermodynamics
• Know the definition of the canonical ensemble and the partition function formula
• Know the Boltzmann factor, definition of 𝛽 and average energy
• Know the thermodynamics connection formulas or how to derive them from
thermodynamic equations
III. Kinetic Theory of Gases and Transport Phenomena
• Know the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution and Maxwell speed distribution
• Know the average speed and average relative speed (know how to compare the
average to the maximum and root-mean-squared speeds)
• Know the collision cross-section, collision frequency and mean free path
• Know the equations and concepts for gaseous diffusion
IV. Chemical Kinetics
• Know the definition (and equations) for the reaction rate, the rate law and the
integrated rate law
• Know the how to deal with complex kinetics involving first-order reactions that are
sequential or parallel
• Know the Arrhenius equation and its connection to potential energy surface
• Know collision theory and transition-state theory and the relationship to Arrhenius
parameters