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MITx: Chemical Thermodynamics I: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Based on 5.601 Thermodynamics I, this course introduces learners to fundamental concepts in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Learners will develop an understanding of fundamental thermodynamic principles and how they arise from molecular scale system properties.

Chemical Thermodynamics I: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
12 weeks
8–12 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
This course is archived

About this course

Skip About this course

This course is the first in a series of two thermodynamics courses that together, cover chemical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, phase equilibria, and kinetics.

In this course, you will explore the foundational principles of thermodynamics for chemical systems and how these principles connect to the properties of the molecules that comprise them. You will explore the laws of thermodynamics and how they combine to establish the relationships between entropy, energy, work, and heat flow. You will then leverage these relationships to understand the nature of equilibrium and the forces that drive spontaneous transformations. You will then be introduced to the field of statistical mechanics, which formalizes the molecular scale origins of thermodynamic principles. Finally, you will leverage your understanding of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics to explore fundamental applications, including heat engines, calorimetry, and equilibrium in multi-component systems.

At a glance

  • Institution: MITx
  • Subject: Chemistry
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Prerequisites:
    • Undergraduate General Chemistry (e.g. 5.01x and 5.02x recommended)
    • Multi-Variable Calculus
  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills:Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Chemical Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Calorimetry

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • Energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics
  • Spontaneity and the Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics
  • Statistical Mechanics
  • Chemical Potential and Applications of Thermodynamics

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

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