What are the foundational theories that serve as the bedrock for chemical engineering principles? How do concepts like mass and energy conservation, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction kinetics form the theoretical underpinnings guiding the design and operation of chemical processes? Additionally, how do material and energy balances, equilibrium theory, and transport phenomena contribute to the comprehensive framework of chemical engineering theory? Explore how these theories intersect and integrate to enable engineers to analyze, optimize, and innovate processes across various industries, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and safety in industrial operations.