MM152 Tutorial: Phase Behaviour 08/02/2012 1

Roll Number: Name: SOLUTIONS

Roll Number: Name:

1. Given here are the solidus and liquidus temperatures for the copper-gold system. Construct the
phase diagram for this system and label each region.

Composition Solidus Liquidus

(wt% Au) Temperature Temperature
(°C) (°C)

0 1085 1085

20 1019 1042

40 972 996

60 934 946

80 911 911

90 928 942

95 974 984

100 1064 1064

1100

1050

1000
Temperature (°C)

950

900

850
0 20 40 60 80 100
Composition (wt% Au)
MM152 Tutorial: Phase Behaviour 08/02/2012 2
2. Shown below is a portion of the H2O-NaCl phase diagram,
a. Using the diagram, briefly explain how spreading salt on ice that is at a temperature
below 0°C can cause ice to melt.
b. Can you apply this knowledge to any practical use?
c. At what temperature is salt no longer useful in causing ice to melt?

This phase diagram is of immense practical use in places where the temperatures fall below 0°C
and where it snows in the winter. After a snowfall, roads need to be cleared of snow and ice, and
salt is routinely spread over the roads to reduce the melting point of ice.