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4.16. Physical Chemistry (PHC)

This knowledge area covers the application of physics principles to chemical systems. It includes chemical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, quantum chemistry, molecular kinetics, and surface phenomena.

Knowledge Area (KA)	Core Tier1	Core Tier2
4.16.1 Chemical Thermodynamics and Equilibrium	Elective

4.16.1. PHC/Chemical Thermodynamics and Equilibrium ↑ Back to top

Application of the laws of thermodynamics to chemical engineering systems: state functions, chemical potential, phase equilibria, and reaction equilibrium.
Topics:
Core

• Laws of thermodynamics applied to chemical engineering processes
• State functions: enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy in chemical process engineering
• Chemical potential and fugacity in engineering fluid systems and mixtures
• Phase equilibrium in multicomponent engineering systems and phase diagrams
• Chemical reaction equilibrium: equilibrium constants and temperature dependence
• Non-ideal solutions, activity coefficients, and their role in chemical process design

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Explain the Second Law of Thermodynamics in terms of entropy and spontaneity of engineering chemical processes [Familiarity]
2. Calculate Gibbs free energy changes to determine whether engineering chemical reactions are spontaneous [Usage]
3. Apply chemical potential to derive equilibrium conditions for engineering multiphase systems [Assessment]
4. Interpret binary phase diagrams for engineering alloys and mixtures [Usage]
5. Predict the behavior of engineering gas mixtures and solutions using non-ideality models [Assessment]