Chemical Thermodynamics Course for First Year Engineering Students

Abstract

This book is primarily intended for students at the beginning of their university studies. It offers a comprehensive course in chemical thermodynamics, accompanied by numerous concrete examples and progressive exercises to promote effective assimilation of the concepts. The book opens with an introduction to chemical thermodynamics, defining the main thermodynamic quantities. It then addresses the two fundamental principles of the discipline, gradually leading to the central notion of chemical potential—a concept introduced by Gibbs—which allows the study of both physical and chemical transformations of matter. The First Law is first applied to thermomechanical transformations, involving heat and work exchanges, and then to chemical reactions, illustrated by numerous examples. These concrete cases, integrated throughout the presentation, offer a clear and practical perspective on the fields of application of thermodynamics. The Second Law introduces the notion of system evolution, before leading to the study of chemical equilibria and their modifications. This final section concludes with various examples of reactions of industrial interest, chosen for their relevance. This manual brings together a solid base of useful numerical data in chemical thermodynamics and offers a wide selection of corrected exercises, allowing the reader to test their knowledge and strengthen their understanding. It is the result of extensive teaching experience, notably acquired in the preparatory cycle of the Higher School of Applied Sciences of Tlemcen, where I teach this subject. I hope this book will provide both rigorous and accessible support for students and teachers alike.