Experiment 6: Theoretical Background

The phase diagram displays the physical states of a substance under various temperature

and pressure conditions. The y-axis and the X-axis temperature are pressure on a standard phase

diagram. Although phases are conceptually clear, they are hard to describe. In the

thermodynamic variables of the system in a pressure-temperature-parameter space, a phase of the

system is generally defined as the region where free energy of the system is precisely known for

its parameters. Phase diagrams illustrate the effects on the state of matter of selected system

variables. Phase diagrams are divided into three separate phase regions covering the pressure-

temperature space over which the topic is evaluated. These phase-related lines are known as

phase boundaries. The matter assessed simultaneously exists along the phase limits in a balance

between the two states which border the phase limit.

Fig. 1: A Typical Phase Diagram for a Substance That Exhibits Three Phases—Solid, Liquid,

and Gas—and a Supercritical Region

 Each region coincides with the range of temperature and pressure combinations across

which this stage is stable. High and low temperature combination leads to the solid phase,

whereas the low temperature and low pressure gas phase is preferred. The lines in a phase

scheme refer to the temperature-pressure combinations in which two phases coexist in a balance.

In the Fig. 1, The line connecting points A and D distinguishes the solid and liquid stages. It

indicates the variable pressure of the melting point of a solid. All along this line the solid and

liquid stage are balanced; the horizontal crossing corresponds to the melting or freezing phase.

The vapor pressure curve of the liquid is the line that links points A and B. The material remains

as a supercritical fluid at the critical end stage.

For each substance and mixture, phase diagrams are specific. Three-dimensional step

schemes may be needed, which can be expressed by use of perspective in two dimensions. Phase

diagrams are commonly used in mineral equilibrium studies in relation to conditions of rock and

mineral formation in the world. They are also of invaluable importance in the design of industrial

machinery and in pursuit of ideal conditions for production processes and the evaluation of

substance purity.

To determine the mole fraction (xi) or the mass fraction (ni) of each phase of a binary

equilibrium phase diagram, Lever rule is used. It is used to identify the relative amounts of the

components of a system

where nα and nβ are amounts of phases α and β l α and lβ are distances of α and β to the

point being determined of its composition.

 Fig. 2: The Lever Rule In a P-x Diagram

The lever equation allows the current phase(s) and its compositions to be calculated at

any given temperature. It can also cut off the cooling process, and at any time of the temperature

range decide the phase(s) and composition.

References:

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