What are the foundational theories that serve as the bedrock of chemical engineering, providing the framework for understanding and applying principles in various industrial processes? How do concepts such as mass and energy conservation, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and reaction kinetics form the cornerstone of chemical engineering theory, guiding the design and operation of processes? Furthermore, 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 empower engineers to analyze, optimize, and innovate processes, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and safety in industrial operations.