Approximations behind Clausius-Clapeyron....

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    Clausius-clapeyron
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the approximations associated with the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, particularly in the context of phase transitions such as liquid-gas coexistence. Participants explore the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of the equation, referencing various sources for clarification.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests clarification on the approximations behind the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and seeks additional resources.
  • Another participant lists specific approximations, including the assumption that the gas phase is described by the ideal gas law and that the molar volume of the liquid is negligible compared to that of the gas.
  • Some participants assert that there are no approximations in the Clausius-Clapeyron equation itself, emphasizing its relationship to the latent heat and volume change during phase equilibrium.
  • A later reply challenges the previous assertions, citing a textbook that distinguishes between the Clapeyron equation and the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, and discusses the conditions under which approximations can be made.
  • Participants reference different sources, including Wikipedia and a peer-reviewed textbook, to support their claims about the equation and its approximations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the Clausius-Clapeyron equation involves approximations. Some maintain that it does not, while others argue that specific conditions allow for approximations to be valid. The discussion remains unresolved with competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific assumptions regarding the ideal gas law and the relative molar volumes of phases, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion also highlights the potential for discrepancies between different sources regarding the nomenclature and interpretation of the equation.

Sch44
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Someone who can explain me what approximations there is behind the Clausius-Clapeyron equation or know a good webside where i can read about it.

thanks in advance
 
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Sch44 said:
Someone who can explain me what approximations there is behind the Clausius-Clapeyron equation or know a good webside where i can read about it.

thanks in advance
1. The gas phase is described by the ideal gas law
2. The molar volume of the liquid is negligible compared to the corresponding molar volume of gas
 
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There are no approximations in the Clausius-Clapeyron equation itself. When two phases of a system coexist in equilibrium, the equation relates the slope of the coexistence curve to the latent heat and the change in volume. The article in Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausius–Clapeyron_relation) gives a good account. If you are looking at the liquid - gas coexistence, and if the molar volume of the gas is much higher than that of the liquid, you can use that in approximating the equation. A complete description of the approximations that can be made are discussed in the book by Sears & Salinger, "Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics"
 
Chandra Prayaga said:
There are no approximations in the Clausius-Clapeyron equation itself. When two phases of a system coexist in equilibrium, the equation relates the slope of the coexistence curve to the latent heat and the change in volume. The article in Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausius–Clapeyron_relation) gives a good account. If you are looking at the liquid - gas coexistence, and if the molar volume of the gas is much higher than that of the liquid, you can use that in approximating the equation. A complete description of the approximations that can be made are discussed in the book by Sears & Salinger, "Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics"
This response is incorrect, and emphasizes the danger in accepting what one finds in an online source like wikipedia.

According to Smith, J. M. and Van Ness, H. C., Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, McGraw_Hill, 4th Edition, 1987 (an actual peer reviewed textbook that had been in widespread use for over 55 years), the equation referred to in wiki as the Clausius-Clapeyron equation is properly designated simply as the Clapeyron equation (Section 6.3, Two-Phase Systems, Eqn. 6.49). They then pose Example 6.3: "For vaporization at low pressures, one may introduce reasonable approximations into Eq. (6.49) by assuming that the vapor phase is an ideal gas and that the molar volume of the liquid is negligible compared with the molar volume of the vapor." The solution to this example then leads to the actual Clausius Clapeyron equation:
$$\Delta H^{lv}=-R\frac{d\ln{P^{sat}}}{d(1/T)}$$
They then continue,"This approximate equation, known as the Clausius/Clapeyron equation, relates the latent heat of vaporization directly to the vapor pressure curve."

Compare what I wrote in post #2 with Smith and Van Ness' description of the approximation.

Chet
 
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