The Earth is a complex multicomponent system, though each component of the Earth system is largely controlled by physical and chemical processes. For example, the formation of rocks or minerals can be described by the thermodynamics of magma, which can be formulated as functions of temperature, pressure, and chemical composition. This course consists of basic and application classes. The first seven classes focus on fundamental laws and thermodynamic potentials. The second half of the course focuses on applications of aqueous chemistry, thermodynamics of rocks and minerals through lectures and solving problem sets.
At the end of the basic classes, students will understand the first law, the second law, and various thermodynamic potentials. Students will be able to solve basic problems related to such fundamental issues.
At the end of the application classes, students will acquire the ability to use thermodynamics for solving geochemical problems.
Equation of state, The first law, The second law, Free energy, Phase rule, Aqueous solution, Solid solution, Paragenesis of minerals
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Before coming to class, students should read the course schedule and prepare for the topics with handouts and references.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction | Introduction to thermodynamics |
Class 2 | Basic of thermodynamics | Understanding basic of thermodynamics |
Class 3 | Free energy | Understanding free energy |
Class 4 | Equation of state | Understanding equation of state for solid and gas phases |
Class 5 | Thermodynamics of solid solution | Understanding thermodynamics of solid solution |
Class 6 | Thermodynamics of aqueous solution | Understanding thermodynamical treatment for aqueous solution |
Class 7 | Exercise-Basic | Solve problems of thermodynamics concerning the first law and the second law. |
Class 8 | Phase equilibrium of multicomponent system (1) | Understanding the phase rule |
Class 9 | Phase equilibrium of multicomponent system (2) | Understanding the derivation of reaction formula |
Class 10 | Phase equilibrium of multicomponent system (3) | Understanding the calculation of equilibrium |
Class 11 | Exercise-Application (1) | Learn how to draw phase diagram |
Class 12 | Evaluation of thermodynamic constants | Learn how to evaluate thermodynamic constants |
Class 13 | Gibbs energy minimization method | Understanding the Gibbs energy minimization method |
Class 14 | Exercise-Application (2) | Phase equilibrium calculations |
Class 15 | Exam | Solve problems |
Handouts will be provided during class
P.W. Atkins "Atkins' Physical chemistry 10th edition" Oxford University Press
Etsuo Uchida "Thermodynamics in Mineralogy and Petrology" Kyoritsu Shuppan (in japanese)
Sadao Matsuo "Geochemistry" Kodansha (in Japanese)
Students will be assessed on their understanding for the thermodynamics of water, rocks, and minerals.
Students' course scores are based on final exam (65%) and exercises (35%).
No prerequisite