[PDF] Chemical & Statistical Thermodynamics Notes (CSIR NET & GATE)

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Chemical & Statistical Thermodynamics Handwritten Notes PDF

Master the most scoring mathematical unit of physical chemistry. High-yield handwritten classroom notes covering Maxwell relations, partition functions, residual entropy, and solved CSIR NET & GATE questions.

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📚 1. File Specifications & Exam Weightage

Thermodynamics (Classical + Statistical) represents 25 to 35 marks in CSIR NET Chemical Science and 8 to 12 marks in GATE (CY). Because the questions are direct application of fundamental formulas, this unit yields nearly 100% accuracy with systematic revision.

Module NameChemical and Statistical Thermodynamics (Career Notes)
Target ExamsCSIR UGC NET (JRF/LS), GATE Chemistry (CY), BARC, TIFR, SET, M.Sc./B.Sc.
File Size & Format7.4 MB • High-Resolution PDF (High-contrast, clean printer scan)
Authors / SourceCurated by Top Rankers of CSIR NET & GATE Chemical Sciences
Access Cost100% Free Direct Download via Google Drive

⚖️ 2. Classical Thermodynamics: Fundamental Equations

A. Four Fundamental Thermodynamic Relations
Internal Energy: dU = T dS − P dV
Enthalpy: dH = T dS + V dP
Helmholtz Energy: dA = −S dT − P dV
Gibbs Free Energy: dG = −S dT + V dP
B. The Four Maxwell Relations
Origin PotentialMaxwell RelationPhysical Significance
Internal Energy (U)(∂T/∂V)S = −(∂P/∂S)VAdiabatic reversible volume changes
Enthalpy (H)(∂T/∂P)S = (∂V/∂S)PAdiabatic reversible pressure changes
Helmholtz Energy (A)(∂S/∂V)T = (∂P/∂T)VDetermines internal pressure (πT)
Gibbs Energy (G)(∂S/∂P)T = −(∂V/∂T)PRelates entropy change to thermal expansivity (α)
C. Thermodynamic Equations of State
Internal Pressure: πT = (∂U/∂V)T = T(∂P/∂T)V − P
• For an Ideal Gas: πT = 0
• For a van der Waals Gas: πT = a / Vm2

🧩 3. Maxborn Thermodynamic Square Derivations

Use the mnemonic “Vampires And Trolls Go Prowling Here” to easily write down any Maxwell relation or differential equation:

Corner VariablesEdge PotentialsSign RuleShortcut Derivation
V (Volume) & T (Temperature)A (Helmholtz Energy)Both incoming arrows are negativedA = −P dV − S dT
T (Temperature) & P (Pressure)G (Gibbs Energy)T is negative, P is positivedG = −S dT + V dP
P (Pressure) & S (Entropy)H (Enthalpy)Both incoming arrows are positivedH = V dP + T dS
S (Entropy) & V (Volume)U (Internal Energy)S is positive, V is negativedU = T dS − P dV

🔬 4. Statistical Thermodynamics: Partition Functions

The molecular partition function (q) connects microscopic quantum states to macroscopic thermodynamic properties (U, H, S, G):

Total Molecular Partition Function: q = qtrans × qrot × qvib × qelec
Canonical Ensemble (Indistinguishable): Q = qN / N!   (Distinguishable: Q = qN)
ModePartition Function FormulaTemperature DependenceSymmetry Factor (σ)
Translational (3D)qtrans = (2πm kBT / h2)3/2 × Vqtrans ∝ T3/2 · M3/2—
Rotational (Linear)qrot = kBT / (σ h c B) = 8π2I kBT / (σ h2)qrot ∝ THomonuclear (σ=2), Heteronuclear (σ=1)
Rotational (Non-Linear)qrot = (π1/2 / σ) × (kBT / hc)3/2 × (1 / √(IAIBIC))qrot ∝ T3/2H2O (σ=2), NH3 (σ=3), CH4 (σ=12)
Vibrationalqvib = 1 / [1 − e−hν/kBT] ≈ kBT / hν (High T)qvib ∝ T0 (Low T) → T1 (High T)—
Thermodynamic Properties from Partition Function Q:
Internal Energy: U = kBT2 (∂ ln Q / ∂T)V
Entropy: S = kB ln Q + U / T
Helmholtz Energy: A = −kBT ln Q
Residual Entropy: Sres = kB ln W

📊 5. Hierarchy of Energy Level Spacings & Partition Functions

At standard room temperature (300 K), the energy gap (Δε) relative to thermal energy (kBT) dictates the number of populated quantum states:

1. Translational
Δε << kBT
qtrans ≈ 1028 – 1030
Extremely tiny energy gaps in macroscopic volumes. Behavior approaches a continuous spectrum. Highly populated at all temperatures.
Continuum of States
2. Rotational
Δε < kBT
qrot ≈ 10 – 100
Level spacing corresponds to the microwave region. Many rotational J-states are thermally populated at 300 K.
Dozens of Levels Populated
3. Vibrational
Δε > kBT
qvib ≈ 1.00 – 1.50
Spacing corresponds to the infrared region. Over 95% of molecules remain in the ground vibrational level (v = 0).
Mostly Ground State (v = 0)
4. Electronic
Δε >> kBT
qelec ≈ g0 (usually 1.0)
Spacing corresponds to UV-Visible radiation. Excited electronic states are completely unpopulated at ordinary room temperatures.
Ground State Degeneracy Only

💡 6. Solved Benchmark CSIR NET Exam Problems

CSIR NET Chemical Science (Part C • 4 Marks)

Problem 1: Calculate the molar residual entropy of crystalline Carbon Monoxide (CO) at absolute zero (0 K).

Step-by-Step Solution:

  • In crystalline solid CO, each molecule has two nearly degenerate orientations in the crystal lattice (C≡O vs. O≡C) due to a very small dipole moment (0.1 Debye).
  • Total number of microstates for 1 mole (NA molecules): W = 2NA.
  • Applying Boltzmann’s entropy formula:
    Sres = kB ln W = kB ln(2NA) = NA kB ln 2 = R ln 2.
  • Numerically: Sres = 8.314 × 0.693 = 5.76 J K−1 mol−1.
CSIR NET Chemical Science (Part C • 4 Marks)

Problem 2: What is the ratio of the rotational partition functions of HD and D2 at the same temperature T? (Assume bond lengths are identical: rHD = rD2).

Step-by-Step Solution:

  • Rotational partition function: qrot = 8π2I kBT / (σh2) ∝ μ / σ (since I = μr2).
  • Reduced masses:
    μHD = (1 × 2) / (1 + 2) = 2/3 amu
    μD2 = (2 × 2) / (2 + 2) = 1.0 amu
  • Symmetry numbers (σ):
    HD is heteronuclear → σHD = 1
    D2 is homonuclear → σD2 = 2
  • Taking the ratio:
    qrot(HD) / qrot(D2) = (μHD / σHD) / (μD2 / σD2) = (2/3 / 1) / (1 / 2) = (2/3) × 2 = 4/3 = 1.33.

🖼️ 7. Classroom Notes Sample Page Preview

Below is a sample preview from the high-resolution scanned PDF notes:

Chemical and Statistical Thermodynamics Notes PDF Preview
Figure 1: High-contrast sample page from Chemical & Statistical Thermodynamics notes.

❓ 8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are these thermodynamics notes sufficient for CSIR NET & GATE?

Yes. These classroom notes cover both classical thermodynamics (laws, Maxwell relations, chemical potential, non-ideal solutions) and statistical mechanics (ensembles, partition functions, residual entropy). Paired with previous year questions, it provides complete preparation.

Q2: Why is the symmetry number (σ) 2 for homonuclear diatomics?

In homonuclear diatomics like N2 or O2, a 180° rotation around the perpendicular axis leaves the molecule in an indistinguishable orientation. To avoid double-counting quantum microstates in phase space, the rotational partition function is divided by σ = 2.

Q3: How do I download the PDF file?

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