Phase Diagram A plot of pressure versus temperature that shows equilibrium condition between two species.

F 1 atm H I

G E 0 0C How to read this phase diagram? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Area A is the area for SOLID. At this area, only 1 phase exists and it is SOLID. Area B is the area for GAS. At this area, only 1 phase exists and it is GAS. Area C is the area for LIQUID. At this area, only 1 phase exists and it is LIQUID. Area D is the area for the SUPERCRITICAL FLUID. At this area, only 1 phase exists and it is SUPERCRITICAL FLUID. Point G is called the TRIPLE POINT. At this point, all 3 phases co-exist or are in equilibrium. This means to say that at that specific T and P, you can observe the solid, liquid and gaseous phase of the compound. Curve EG is the solid-vapor equilibrium (sublimation/deposition) line. At any point along this curve (such as Point E), 2 phases co-exist or are in equilibrium and those phases are solid and gas. Curve GH is the solid-liquid equilibrium (fusion/melting) line. At any point along this curve (such as Point H), 2 phases coexist or are in equilibrium ad those phases are solid and liquid. Since Point H corresponds to pressure of 1 atm, the temperature that defines this point is the NORMAL FREEZING POINT of the compound. Curve GI is the liquid-vapor equilibrium (vaporization/condensation) line. At any point along this curve (such as Point I), 2 phases co-exist or are in equilibrium and those are liquid and gas. Since Point I corresponds to pressure of 1 atm, the temperature that defines this point is the NORMAL BOILING POINT of the compound. At Point F, 2 phases exist and these are liquid and supercritical fluid. Notice Curve GH. The curve has a positive slope which means that the solid phase is the densest phase of the compound (remember that gas is always the least dense of all phases). This means to say that increasing pressure would lead to conversion of liquid to solid. If this curve had a negative slope (just like that of water), the densest phase is liquid. This means to say that increasing the pressure converts solid to liquid. This is the reason why you can skate over a slab of ice :D If you will draw a horizontal line, this line will be called an Isobaric Line (constant pressure). An isobaric line is used to determine the phase changes that occur when the temperature is varied at constant pressure. If you draw a vertical line, this line will be called an Isothermal Line (constant temperature). An isothermal line is used to determine the phase changes that occur when the pressure is varied at constant temperature. The supercritical fluid state is achieved at very high pressure and very high temperature. 100 0C

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