- #1
Phileas.Fogg
- 32
- 0
Hello,
right now, I am learning thermodynamics with Reichl: "A modern Course in Statistical Physics"
In chapter 3.C page 100 "classification of phase transitions", the text says:
"As we change the independent intensive variables (p, T, x_1,... ,x_l) of a system,
we reach values of the variables for which a phase change can occur. At such
points the chemical potentials (which are functions only of intensive variables)
of the phases must be equal and the phases can coexist."
I wonder, if there are systems with no phase transition at all. Or is there always a phase transition, if I change for example pressure, or temperature, or the mole fractions of particles of type i ?
What does the chemical potential have to do with the phase transition? I know, that it is equal in both phases at the transition point, but how does the phase transition occur? What forces the system to change it's phase? What does the chemical potential of the system do before the transition?
I hope you can help me.
Regards,
Mr.Fogg
right now, I am learning thermodynamics with Reichl: "A modern Course in Statistical Physics"
In chapter 3.C page 100 "classification of phase transitions", the text says:
"As we change the independent intensive variables (p, T, x_1,... ,x_l) of a system,
we reach values of the variables for which a phase change can occur. At such
points the chemical potentials (which are functions only of intensive variables)
of the phases must be equal and the phases can coexist."
I wonder, if there are systems with no phase transition at all. Or is there always a phase transition, if I change for example pressure, or temperature, or the mole fractions of particles of type i ?
What does the chemical potential have to do with the phase transition? I know, that it is equal in both phases at the transition point, but how does the phase transition occur? What forces the system to change it's phase? What does the chemical potential of the system do before the transition?
I hope you can help me.
Regards,
Mr.Fogg