Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the branch of physical chemistry that deals with the study of energy, heat, work, and the laws governing their interconversion during physical and chemical processes. It enables us to predict whether a process will occur spontaneously, determine the equilibrium state of a system, and calculate changes in thermodynamic properties such as internal energy, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. In modern chemistry, thermodynamics plays a vital role in understanding phase equilibria, chemical reactions, electrochemical systems, material science, and biological processes. This unit covers both classical thermodynamics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics, providing a comprehensive understanding of systems at equilibrium as well as irreversible processes occurring in nature.

Topics Covered

• Partial Molar Quantities and their Physical Significance
• Concept of Fugacity and Determination of Fugacity
• Activity and Activity Coefficient
• Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics
• Thermodynamic Criteria for Non-Equilibrium State
• Entropy Production and Entropy Flow
• Entropy Balance Equation
• Generalized Fluxes and Forces
• Phenomenological Equations
• Microscopic Reversibility
• Onsager Reciprocal Relations
• Electrokinetic Phenomena

Learning Objectives

After studying this unit, students will be able to understand the thermodynamic behavior of multicomponent systems, explain the significance of partial molar properties, calculate fugacity and activity coefficients, distinguish between equilibrium and non-equilibrium states, analyze entropy production in irreversible processes, understand the relationship between thermodynamic forces and fluxes, derive Onsager reciprocal relations, and apply the principles of non-equilibrium thermodynamics to electrochemical and transport phenomena.