A Closer Look at Phase Diagrams for the General Chemistry Course

• Autores: Stephen A. Gramsch, Geophysical
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 77, Nº 6 (June), 2000, págs. 718-718
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Recent research in the area of high-pressure geophysics has led to the discovery of extremely rich phase behavior in many important chemical systems at elevated pressures and temperatures and has yielded new insights into the electronic factors that govern interactions between atoms in all phases of matter. Consequently, the information provided by the high-pressure phase diagrams of some simple systems can provide a useful extension to the traditional discussion of phase diagrams in the general chemistry course. At the same time, it can prepare students for a more illuminating presentation of the concept of equilibrium than is possible through the discussion of gas phase, acid-base, and solubility product equilibria alone. The high-pressure phase diagrams of CO2, H2O, H2, and Fe all contain interesting and unexpected features that can be utilized to clarify and amplify the discussion of phase behavior and help to illustrate the surprising effects of pressure on chemical systems.