This paper offers some qualitative understanding of the chemical potential, a topic that students invariably find difficult. Three “meanings” for the chemical potential are stated and then supported by analytical development. Two substantial applications—depression of the melting point and batteries—illustrate the chemical potential in action. The origin of the term “chemical potential” has its surprises, and a sketch of the history concludes the paper.
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Ralph Baierlein (2001) studied this question.
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