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Chemistry LibreTexts

1: Introduction

  • Page ID
    20402
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     \( \newcommand{\Cpm}{C_{p,\text{m}}} % molar heat capacity at const.p\)
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     \( \newcommand{\mbB}{_{m,\text{B}}}       % m basis, B\)
     \( \newcommand{\kHi}{k_{\text{H},i}}      % Henry's law constant, x basis, i\)
     \( \newcommand{\kHB}{k_{\text{H,B}}}      % Henry's law constant, x basis, B\)
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     \( \newcommand{\irr}{\subs{irr}} % irreversible\)
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     \( \newcommand{\diss}{\subs{diss}} % dissipation\)
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     \(\newcommand{\dBar}{\mathop{}\!\mathrm{d}\hspace-.3em\raise1.05ex{\Rule{.8ex}{.125ex}{0ex}}} % inexact differential \)
     \( \newcommand{\dq}{\dBar q} % heat differential\)
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     \( \newcommand{\Eeq}{E\subs{cell, eq}} % equilibrium cell potential\)
     \( \newcommand{\Ej}{E\subs{j}} % liquid junction potential\)
     \( \newcommand{\mue}{\mu\subs{e}} % electron chemical potential\)
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     \( \newcommand{\R}{8.3145\units{J$\,$K$\per\,$mol$\per$}}     % gas constant value\)
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    Thermodynamics is a quantitative subject. It allows us to derive relations between the values of numerous physical quantities. Some physical quantities, such as a mole fraction, are dimensionless; the value of one of these quantities is a pure number. Most quantities, however, are not dimensionless and their values must include one or more units. This chapter reviews the SI system of units, which are the preferred units in science applications. The chapter then discusses some useful mathematical manipulations of physical quantities using quantity calculus, and certain general aspects of dimensional analysis.


    This page titled 1: Introduction is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Howard DeVoe via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.

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