Interactive Self-Study Module: Single-Component Phase Diagrams
Overview:
This module uses screencasts and interactive simulations to explain the phase equilibrium of a single-component. It explains phase diagrams, including vapor-liquid equilibrium and the critical point.. It provides example problems to allow the user to test themselves. We suggest using the learning resources in the following order:
- Attempt to answer the multiple choice ConcepTests before watching the screencasts or working with the simulations.
- Watch the two screencasts that describe the phase diagrams and answer the questions within the screencast.
- Use the interactive simulations to further understand the behavior of the phase diagrams.
- Try to solve the two example problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts.
- Answer the ConcepTests.
Motivation:
Understanding single-component phase behavior is important for many processes in chemical engineering and necessary to understand multi-component phase behavior.
This module is intended for a Thermodynamics course and may also be useful for a Materials and Energy Balance course.
Before studying this module, you should:
- Be able to apply the Antoine equation to determine saturation pressure of a single component at a given temperature
After studying this module, you should be able to:
- Given a phase diagram, determine the state of a single-component system at a given pressure and temperature.
- Be able to explain how a single-component system changes as temperature or pressure changes.
- Explain the significance of a critical point and identify it on a single-component phase diagram.
- Explain how a liquid can become a vapor without going through a phase change.
