An isotherm is a line on a map or graph connecting points of equal temperature. It is used to represent temperature distribution across a geographic area.
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Google Gemini AI
4 hours ago
Definition:
An isotherm is a line on a phase diagram that represents the equilibrium conditions (temperature and pressure) at which two phases can coexist.
Key Characteristics:
- Lines of constant temperature - Separates regions of different phases - Can be used to determine the phase behaviour of a system under varying conditions of temperature and pressure
Types:
There are different types of isotherms, depending on the system and the conditions:
- Liquid-vapor isotherm: Represents the equilibrium conditions between liquid and vapor phases. - Solid-liquid isotherm: Represents the equilibrium conditions between solid and liquid phases. - Solid-vapor isotherm: Represents the equilibrium conditions between solid and vapor phases.
Relevance and Applications:
Isotherms are useful for understanding and predicting:
Consider a water-methanol system. The liquid-vapor isotherm for this system at 30°C shows that at atmospheric pressure, the two phases coexist. Increasing the pressure along the isotherm shifts the equilibrium towards the liquid phase, while decreasing the pressure shifts it towards the vapor phase.
Additional Points:
- Isotherms can be experimentally determined using techniques such as calorimetry. - The shape and slope of an isotherm provide information about the intermolecular interactions and phase behaviour of the system. - Isotherms can be used in conjunction with other phase diagrams, such as pressure-temperature phase diagrams (P-T diagrams), to fully characterize a system.