The elusive chemical potential

摘要

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. (C) 2001 American Association of Physics Teachers. [References: 30]