Reading Phase Diagrams
Phase diagrams let you predict what state a substance will be in under specific conditions. To use them, simply find the temperature on the horizontal axis and pressure on the vertical axis, then see which region (solid, liquid, or gas) contains that point.
The lines between regions represent conditions where two phases exist in equilibrium. For example, at any point along the fusion curve (blue), the substance exists as both solid and liquid. Similarly, the sublimation curve (red) shows conditions where solid and gas coexist.
Interestingly, the path a substance takes through a phase diagram depends on both temperature AND pressure. At 300 kPa, increasing temperature from 10ยฐC to 80ยฐC causes Substance X to change from solid to liquid to gas. However, at 100 kPa, the same temperature change causes it to go directly from solid to gas (sublimation).
๐๏ธ When reading phase diagrams, pay special attention to the triple point - it's the only condition where all three states exist simultaneously. This is a common test question!