Question w/ chemical potential, equivalence to Energy or Potential?

In summary, the chemical potential $$\mu$$ is defined as the amount of free energy or energy required to add or remove particles from a system. This is equivalent to the electrical potential energy of the reactants relative to the products, but it is too complex to express in terms of Coulomb's law. In the case of electrostatics, the electrical potential is denoted as $$V$$ and for gravity, it is denoted as $$V_g$$. Therefore, the external chemical potential ($$\mu_{ext}$$) is equivalent to the electrical potential ($$V$$ or $$V_g$$) depending on the system.
  • #1
klawlor419
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I have a quick question, is the chemical potential $$\mu=\partial F /\partial N$$ where F is the free energy physically equivalent to a potential or energy?

For example, in electrostatics, $$V=U/q$$

Does $$\mu_{ext}= U \text{ or } V$$

Also, same thing could be asked about gravity, $$V_g=U_{g}/m$$

Does $$\mu_{ext}= U_g \text{ or } V_g$$

Thanks ahead of time.
 
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  • #2
klawlor419 said:
I have a quick question, is the chemical potential $$\mu=\partial F /\partial N$$ where F is the free energy physically equivalent to a potential or energy?

For example, in electrostatics, $$V=U/q$$

Does $$\mu_{ext}= U \text{ or } V$$

Also, same thing could be asked about gravity, $$V_g=U_{g}/m$$

Does $$\mu_{ext}= U_g \text{ or } V_g$$

Thanks ahead of time.
Chemical energy is the electrical potential energy of a particular molecular structure (of the reactants) relative to another molecular structure (of the products). It is just that it is too complicated to express in terms of Coulomb's law.

AM
 
Last edited:
  • #3
I am talking about the amount of Free energy or just plain old energy required to add or remove particles from a system. That amount of energy per particle is defined as the chemical potential. I understand that there is to some degree a Coulomb attraction present in all matter.. and that for a fluid or gas of ~10^23 atoms it is impractical to write out the electric potential for the system.

Just worried about the basic definition of the chemical potential $$\mu$$
 

1. What is chemical potential and how is it related to energy?

Chemical potential is a thermodynamic concept that refers to the energy required to add or remove a particle from a system while keeping the temperature and pressure constant. It is closely related to energy as it represents the potential energy of a substance in a particular system.

2. How is chemical potential different from potential energy?

Chemical potential and potential energy are related but have distinct differences. While chemical potential refers to the potential energy of a substance in a system, potential energy refers to the energy of an object due to its position or configuration.

3. Can chemical potential be measured or calculated?

Yes, chemical potential can be measured or calculated using various thermodynamic equations. It is often measured in units of energy per mole, such as joules per mole or calories per mole.

4. How does chemical potential affect equilibrium in a system?

Chemical potential plays a crucial role in determining the equilibrium state of a system. When the chemical potential of a substance in two different systems is equal, the system is said to be at equilibrium.

5. How can chemical potential be influenced or changed?

Chemical potential can be influenced or changed by altering the temperature, pressure, or composition of a system. It can also be affected by external factors such as electric or magnetic fields.

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