Belvia Huo

Material Science Lab 8

Construction of a One-Component Phase Diagram
4/8/14

Abstract
This experiment involves recording the pressure and temperature of cyclohexane in a beaker of
cold water. To change the temperature, ice water taken out and hot water was added intervals. By
doing this, creating a part of a one component phase diagram is possible.
Introduction
Depending on the pressure and temperature of a material, the material can be in a gas, liquid,
or solid state. By recording pressure and temperature periodically, we can graph a phase diagram,
detailing phase changes. A phase shift diagram is helpful to determine how much a material can handle
under specific pressure and temperature environments. With this information, it is easier to make
better decisions on which material should be used for construction.
Method
Have the cyclohexane in a test tube with a temperature and pressure gauge. Submerge the test
tube into a beaker of cold water, but make sure not to let the gauges to get wet. Record the
temperature and pressure. Take some ice out and add hot water. Repeat until there are about 15 data
points and until the temperature gets to about 25C.
Results


Graph 1: Temperature vs. Pressure
Based on the phase diagram created by the experimental data, the point where cyclohexanes
three phases is around 6.5
o
C and 47.68 Torr.


279.5, 47.68
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
270 275 280 285 290 295 300
P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

(
T
O
R
R
)
TEMPERATURE (C)
PRESSURE
Table 1: Pressure and Temperature
Temperature Pressure
0.2 33.32
0.7 33.16
1.3 33.27
3.4 34.36
5.5 37.67
6.2 42.35
6.5 47.68
7.6 50.09
8.0 50.56
8.8 51.86
11.1 55.52
13.2 61.48
14.9 66.43
16.6 70.01
17.5 73.53
19.3 78.84
20.4 82.73
22.2 86.83
23.1 93.14


Graph 2: Reciprocal of Temperature vs. the natural Log of Pressure


y = -3758.2x + 17.234
R = 0.9795
0.000000
0.500000
1.000000
1.500000
2.000000
2.500000
3.000000
3.500000
4.000000
4.500000
5.000000
0.003350 0.003400 0.003450 0.003500 0.003550 0.003600 0.003650 0.003700
L
N
(
P
)

T
O
R
R
1/T 1/C
Discussion
=
( )

3758.2 =

8.314
= 31245.67

= 31.245

|
(31.245 33.01)
33.01
| 100% = 5.34%
The accepted value of heat of vaporization is 33.01kJ/mol and the experimental value calculated
is 31.245kJ/mol. Our value was within 20% error and is thus an acceptable value.

Conclusion
Plotting the Temperature and Pressure graph made it easy to create a phase diagram and
demonstrated how pressure and temperature affects the phases of a material. By plotting the
Reciprocal of Temperature vs. the natural Log of Pressure, it was easy to calculate the Heat of
Vaporization.
Reference
1) The Faculty of Materials Engineering, Laboratory Manual for ENGR-1600; Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute: Troy, NY, 2006.