chemical potential

Chemical potential is a measure of how much energy is stored in a substance that can be released or used during a chemical reaction. It reflects the tendency of a substance to transform into a different state or react with other substances. The higher the chemical potential, the more likely the substance is to react. In essence, it helps us understand how substances behave in different conditions, predicting their stability and the direction of reactions. This concept is crucial in fields like chemistry, biology, and environmental science, influencing everything from metabolic processes to the design of batteries.