Chemical Thermodynamics: Principles and Applications

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts of chemical thermodynamics, focusing on chemical potential, reaction kinetics, and the relationship between thermodynamic properties and chemical reactions. The instructor begins by introducing the chemical potential and its significance in both open and closed systems. The discussion progresses to stoichiometric coefficients, reaction advancement, and the speed of reactions, establishing a mathematical framework for modeling chemical processes. The lecture emphasizes the analogy between mechanical and chemical systems, particularly in terms of forces and affinities. The instructor illustrates these concepts through experiments, including the combustion of methanol and the explosive reaction of nitrogen triiodide, demonstrating the practical implications of thermodynamic principles. The lecture concludes with a discussion on the Gibbs free energy and its role in determining the spontaneity of reactions, alongside the introduction of enthalpy and entropy in the context of chemical reactions. Overall, the lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of thermodynamics as they apply to chemistry.