CHEMISTRY

Thermodynamics & Equilibrium

Dr. Venkateswara Rao Mundlapati

Chemistry Department, School of Applied Sciences
 Introduction
Importance of Thermodynamics
1. Efficiency Prediction
Thermodynamics lies in its ability to predict the maximum efficiency of various heat engines
and maximum work obtainable from a given fuel

2. Feasibility of Prediction
Thermodynamics helps us to predict the feasibility of physical or chemical process under a
given set of conditions

3. Yields of Products Prediction

Thermodynamics helps to predict the extent to which a reaction would take place before the
attainment of equilibrium
Open System

Closed System
 Sign convention for Work

ΔW < 0 ΔW > 0
 Internal Energy

The Change in internal energy can be written as

ΔE = q + w ΔE is an extensive property

Where, q is the energy transferred to it by heating, w is the energy

transferred to the system by doing work
 Isobaric

Pressure
Volume
 Limitations of First law of Thermodynamics:

Second law of Thermodynamics:

The second law of thermodynamics explains the spontaneity of various reactions processes.
It introduces the concept of ‘entropy’ or ‘disorder’ or ‘randomness’ to predict the
spontaneous occurrence of chemical reactions.
Van’t Hoff’s Isotherm: Numerical
1

2
• By definition the chemical potential of a given substance is the change in free energy of the system produced on addition of
one mole of the substance at constant temperature and pressure to a large bulk of the mixture so that its composition does
not undergo any change.
• It is an intensive property and it may be regarded as the force which drives the chemical system to equilibrium.
• At equilibrium the chemical potential of the substance in the system must have the same value through the system. In other
words, the matter flows spontaneously from a region of high chemical potential to low chemical potential.
• The chemical potential may also be regarded as the escaping tendency of that system. Greater the chemical potential of a
system greater will be its escaping tendency.