"How does the process of distillation contribute to separating different components in a mixture, and what are its key principles? Discuss the role of catalysts in chemical reactions and how they influence reaction rates. Explain the concept of mass transfer in chemical engineering and its significance in industrial processes. What is the importance of thermodynamics in chemical engineering, and how do engineers apply it in designing chemical processes? Describe the principles behind fluid mechanics and its application in chemical engineering."

$.$