Chemical potential on a solid and its vapor pressure

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the chemical potential of a solid and its vapor pressure, particularly in the context of equilibrium conditions. Participants explore the derivation of a formula relating these concepts as presented in a specific text on nanostructures.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a formula from a book that relates the chemical potential of vapor and solid at equilibrium, expressing confusion about its derivation.
  • Another participant interprets the chemical potential of vapor as being in its standard state and proposes that at equilibrium, the chemical potentials of vapor and solid should be equal.
  • There is a suggestion that if the chemical potentials are equal, the equilibrium vapor pressure must equal 1, leading to sublimation of the solid.
  • Clarification is sought regarding the notation used for chemical potentials and the conditions under which they are equal at equilibrium.
  • Agreement is expressed that the chemical potentials must be equal at equilibrium, with a specific mention of the sublimation point where they equal the standard state chemical potential.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the chemical potentials of the vapor and solid should be equal at equilibrium. However, there is some confusion regarding the notation and the implications of the conditions under which this equality holds.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of chemical potentials and the conditions of equilibrium are not fully explored, leaving room for interpretation and further clarification.

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I have been reading the book "Nanostructures and Nanomaterials" by G. Cao and Y. Yang, and was intrigued by the following passage in page 33:
"Assuming the vapor of solid phase obeys the ideal gas law, for the flat surface one can easily arrive at:
μvμ = −kTlnP, where μv is the chemical potential of a vapor atom, μ, the chemical potential of an atom on the flat surface, k, the Boltzmann constant, P, the equilibrium vapor pressure of flat solid surface, and T, temperature."

My first impression is that the two chemical potentials should be equal for the solid and its vapor pressure at equilibrium. Could somebody please explain to me how this formula is derived?

Thank you.
 
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My impression is that by μv they mean μv0, the chemical potential of vapour in the standard state (P=1). Then if the vapour at P is in equilibrium with the solid:
μv = μv0 + kTlnP = μ
and hence μv0 - μ = -kTlnP
If μv = μ then P = 1 and the solid sublimes.
 
mjc123 said:
My impression is that by μv they mean μv0, the chemical potential of vapour in the standard state (P=1). Then if the vapour at P is in equilibrium with the solid:
μv = μv0 + kTlnP = μ
and hence μv0 - μ = -kTlnP
If μv = μ then P = 1 and the solid sublimes.

Thanks for your reply. I see that you agree with me that we should have μv = μ at equilibrium. In the last line, did you mean "μv0 = μ then..."? I am still not understanding the physics behind it.
 
Yes, I must have done. μv = μ always at equilibrium; at the sublimation point μv = μ = μv0.
 

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