Single-Component Phase Diagrams: Summary



Key points from this module:
  1. 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. 
  2. A liquid can be converted to a vapor without the co-existence of two phases by circumnavigating the critical point. 
  3. At a given pressure, vapor and liquid are in equilibrium at only one temperature.

From studying this module, you should now be able to:
  1. Given a phase diagram, determine the state of a single-component system at a given pressure and temperature.
  2. Be able to explain how a single-component system changes as temperature or pressure changes.
  3. Explain the significance of a critical point and identify it on a single-component phase diagram.
  4. Explain how a liquid can become a vapor without going through a phase change. 

Additional related screencasts include:
https://sites.google.com/a/learncheme.com/learncheme/student-resources/interactive-module-raoult-s-law-and-vapor-liquid-equilibrium/interactive-module-raoult-s-law-intro                                          Interactive Module Fugacity Single Component Intro                                        

Prepared by John L. Falconer and Kimberly R. Bourland

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder