LearnChemE

Fundamental Property Relations: Summary

The answers to the ConcepTests are given below and will open in a separate window. 
Key points from this module:
  • Using Maxwell relations and other mathematical relations allows thermodynamic properties for a species to be determined from its heat capacity and an equation of state.
  • Useful relations between state variables can be derived from the first law applied to a reversible closed system.
From studying this module, you should now be able to:
  • Know what is meant by an exact differential.
  • Derive Maxwell relations from an exact differential.
  • Apply the chain rule, triple product rule, and expansion rule.
 

Prepared by John L. Falconer, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder