Integrating chemical potentials and free energy functions in chemical equilibrium through a guided computational problem-solving activity: the ammonia synthesis reaction

Abstract A guided, stepwise thermodynamic analysis of the ammonia synthesis reaction is presented in the form of a multipart student problem with an accompanying guided computational solution. The activity is designed to strengthen student understanding of chemical potentials ( µ ), Gibbs ( G ), and Helmholtz ( A ) free energies, and their quantitative connection to chemical equilibrium under different thermodynamic constraints. The problem is organized into pedagogically sequenced tasks involving the calculation and interpretation of µ , G , and A as functions of the reaction extent, together with the determination of the equilibrium position (reaction extent) and the equilibrium constant, under conditions of constant temperature–pressure and constant temperature–volume. The influence of pressure and temperature on free energy profiles and equilibrium position is examined quantitatively. A computer-assisted approach is employed to allow students to focus on conceptual understanding rather than extensive numerical calculations or algebraic manipulation. A Wolfram Mathematica notebook is provided to facilitate calculations and visualization of results, supporting the integration of thermodynamic concepts within a unified problem-solving framework applied to a reaction of industrial relevance.