Statistical Thermodynamics

Catalog description

This course draws a connection between molecular scale phenomena and concepts in undergraduate chemical engineering thermodynamics. The ideal gas law is derived from first principles, entropy is defined from a molecular perspective, and chemical potential (and fugacity) is viewed as a derivative of the partition function rather than an “ad-hoc” correction parameter for vapor-liquid equilibrium. Using the thermodynamic ensembles and multivariable calculus, a unified approach to convert between all thermodynamic variables is presented. A special emphasis is provided on the phase separation of gas-mixtures and liquid-mixtures to enable the design of solvents for applications.