What is the point at which all the three phases of a system exist?a)Tr...
Triple Point
The point at which all three phases of a system coexist is known as the triple point. This is a unique combination of temperature and pressure at which the solid, liquid, and gas phases of a substance can exist in equilibrium.
Explanation
When a substance undergoes a phase change, such as melting or boiling, its physical properties change. These changes depend on the temperature and pressure of the system. The behavior of a substance at different temperature and pressure conditions can be represented on a phase diagram.
A phase diagram is a graphical representation of the different phases of a substance as a function of temperature and pressure. It shows the boundaries between the solid, liquid, and gas phases and the conditions under which phase transitions occur.
At the triple point, the substance exists in equilibrium between its three phases: solid, liquid, and gas. This means that all three phases can coexist at a specific temperature and pressure combination. Any deviation from this point will cause the substance to transition into a different phase.
Importance
The triple point is an important concept in thermodynamics and phase diagrams. It provides a reference point for defining temperature scales and calibrating thermometers. The triple point of water, for example, is used to define the Celsius scale, where 0 degrees Celsius is defined as the temperature at which water's solid, liquid, and gas phases can coexist at a pressure of 611.657 pascals.
Furthermore, the triple point can also be used to determine the purity of a substance. Since the conditions at the triple point are well-defined, any impurities in the substance will cause deviations from the expected temperature and pressure values. Therefore, measuring the triple point of a substance can help determine its purity.
Conclusion
The triple point is the point at which all three phases of a substance can coexist in equilibrium. It is an important concept in thermodynamics and phase diagrams, providing reference points for temperature scales and determining the purity of substances.
What is the point at which all the three phases of a system exist?a)Tr...
Since at the triple point, the degree of freedom is zero (that is invariant reaction takes place at that point), therefore according to phase rule, F = C - P + 2. Substituting the known values, we get P = 3 (all states).