Material & Energy Balances / Thermodynamics
An intuitive, interactive Material & Energy Balances and Thermodynamics course covering the topics typical of the first two years of a chemical engineering degree. Every lesson pairs plain-language explanations with precise process diagrams, worked examples, hands-on simulations, and practice you can check yourself.
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Process Variables & Units
Dimensional analysis, process flow diagrams, and the composition variables every balance relies on.
Material Balances I: Single-Unit & Unsteady-State
The general balance equation, degree-of-freedom analysis, and the transient case every batch process needs.
Material Balances with Reaction
Stoichiometry, extent of reaction, and the conversion/selectivity/yield metrics used throughout reactor design.
Recycle, Bypass & Purge
Multi-unit flowsheets, recycle streams, and the purge calculations that keep inerts from building up.
Energy Balances
The first law, enthalpy and reference states, and energy balances on non-reactive processes.
Energy Balances with Phase Change & Reaction
Latent heat, heat of reaction, and adiabatic flame temperature — the flagship module of the balances half.
PVT Behavior & Equations of State
Ideal-gas limits, compressibility, and cubic equations of state for real-gas behavior.
Phase Equilibria: Pure & Multicomponent (VLE)
Vapor pressure, Raoult's law, and bubble/dew-point calculations — the capstone of the balances half.
The Second Law & Entropy
Reversibility, entropy balances, and why the second law matters for real process equipment.
Chemical Reaction Equilibrium
The equilibrium constant, Le Chatelier's principle, and equilibrium conversion — telling equilibrium-limited apart from kinetically-limited.
Capstone: Coupled Mass-Energy-Balance Process Simulation
A multi-unit flowsheet solved end-to-end with combined material and energy balances, plus a VLE flash step.
New lessons are added continuously. Prefer to test yourself? Try the Chemical Aptitude test.