task $99===$In chemical engineering, theories form the bedrock of understanding and innovation. Fundamental principles, such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transfer, underpin processes from pharmaceutical manufacturing to energy production. Thermodynamic laws dictate energy transformations within systems, critical for reactor design and separation processes. Kinetics elucidates reaction rates, essential for optimizing catalysts and process efficiency. Mass transfer principles govern the movement of substances, vital in designing equipment like distillation columns and reactors. These theoretical frameworks empower engineers to model, analyze, and optimize chemical processes, ensuring safer, more efficient industrial operations. How do advancements in theoretical understanding continue to drive innovation and sustainability in chemical engineering?