Explore Phase Transitions in Thermodynamics with interactive simulations. Understand phase diagrams, critical points, latent heat, and state changes through advanced visualizations.
Phase transitions are the physical processes of matter changing from one state (solid, liquid, gas, or plasma) to another. These transitions occur when external conditions such as temperature or pressure cross critical thresholds, causing dramatic changes in the material's physical properties.
During a phase transition, the arrangement and motion of molecules fundamentally change. For example, when ice melts, the rigid crystalline structure breaks down as molecules gain enough kinetic energy to move past each other freely, transitioning from solid to liquid.
Explore how pressure and temperature affect the state of matter
Adjust the sliders to see how changes in temperature and pressure affect the state of matter.
Explore different types of transitions between states of matter
Solid to liquid transition at the melting point
Liquid to gas transition through evaporation or boiling
Solid directly to gas transition without liquid phase
Understanding the boundary between liquid and gas phases
The critical point is the temperature and pressure above which liquid and gas phases become indistinguishable. At this point, the properties of liquid and gas converge, creating a supercritical fluid.
Beyond the critical point, there is no phase boundary - the substance exists as a supercritical fluid with properties intermediate between gas and liquid. Supercritical fluids have unique properties that make them valuable in industrial applications.
Energy absorbed or released without temperature change
Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released during a phase transition at constant temperature. Unlike sensible heat (which changes temperature), latent heat changes the molecular arrangement without temperature change.
Q = mL
Where:
Q = Heat energy (J)
m = Mass (kg)
L = Latent heat (J/kg)
Phase transitions in everyday life and industry
Refrigerators utilize the vapor compression cycle, which relies on phase transitions of refrigerants between liquid and gas states to transfer heat from inside the refrigerator to the surrounding environment.
Many industrial processes depend on controlled phase transitions for material processing, purification, and energy management.