Statistical mechanics for mixtures of ideal gases and simple liquids, covering both closed and open ensembles, is introduced. Molecular interactions underlying the non-ideal gaseous and liquid properties and nontrivial equations of states are surveyed. Chemical potential is introduced and emphasized as the essential concept for understanding the cause of solution instability and the criteria for phase equilibria. In particular, the vapor-liquid equilibria for non-ideal mixtures are discussed, and the basic modeling approach for describing the realistic mixture behavior such as azeotrope is explained. The connection of chemical potential with fugacity and activity is discussed. The applications of the established framework to reactive mixtures and to interfacial properties between coexisting phases are explored.
4 units · Letter (ABCD/NP)
Statistical mechanics for mixtures of ideal gases and simple liquids, covering both closed and open ensembles, is introduced. Molecular interactions underlying the non-ideal gaseous and liquid properties and nontrivial equations of states are surveyed. Chemical potential is introduced and emphasized as the essential concept for understanding the cause of solution instability and the criteria for phase equilibria. In particular, the vapor-liquid equilibria for non-ideal mixtures are discussed, and the basic modeling approach for describing the realistic mixture behavior such as azeotrope is explained. The connection of chemical potential with fugacity and activity is discussed. The applications of the established framework to reactive mixtures and to interfacial properties between coexisting phases are explored.
Offered in Winter 2027 at Stanford University.