What is the Triple Point and How Does It Work?

AI Thread Summary
The triple point is a specific condition where three phases of a substance—solid, liquid, and gas—can coexist in equilibrium. For water, this occurs at a temperature of 273.16 K (0.01°C) but requires a precise pressure that is not 1 atm. When transitioning through the triple point, substances do not pass directly through it when heating or compressing, but rather go through distinct phases. Misunderstandings often arise because common experiences with temperature and phase changes do not reflect the unique conditions of the triple point. The concept illustrates the complexity of phase behavior under controlled conditions.
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I'm having some trouble grasping the concept of the so called "tripple point". I can't begin to imagine that three different fases can possibly coexist. The temperature is 0,01C isn't it? Well, if some snow has this temperature, and then turns into a liquid, then that's because the temperature isn't longer 0,01! And if water vapour is cooled to 0,01C, then it would just freeze to snow wouldn't it?! Can someone please explain this strange concept to me...?
 
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Your illustrating your own point.

When the triple point lies in replicable conditions, it is possible to observe all three phases of the item. Thats pretty much what it means, You can't go straight through the triple point though when heating or compressing, so you just observe the regular stages.
 
There's one more thing.For water,the temp is 273.16K,but the pressure is not 1 atm...

Daniel.
 
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