Single-Component Phase Diagrams: Summary
Key points from this module:
- The phase diagrams (P-V, P-T, V-T) typically used to represent single-component phase behavior are 2-D projections of a 3-D surface.
- A liquid can be converted to a vapor without the co-existence of two phases by circumnavigating the critical point.
- At a given pressure, vapor and liquid are in equilibrium at only one temperature.
From studying this module, you should now 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.
Additional related screencasts include: