Chemical potential on a solid and its vapor pressure

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the chemical potential equation for a solid and its vapor pressure, as presented in "Nanostructures and Nanomaterials" by G. Cao and Y. Yang. The formula μv − μ∞ = −kTlnP∞ is established, where μv represents the chemical potential of vapor, μ∞ is the chemical potential of the solid, k is the Boltzmann constant, and P∞ is the equilibrium vapor pressure. Participants confirm that at equilibrium, the chemical potentials of the vapor and solid are equal, leading to the conclusion that sublimation occurs when P∞ equals 1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical potential and thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law
  • Knowledge of the Boltzmann constant and its significance
  • Basic concepts of phase equilibrium and sublimation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of chemical potential in thermodynamics
  • Explore the implications of the ideal gas law in phase transitions
  • Learn about sublimation processes and their thermodynamic principles
  • Investigate the role of the Boltzmann constant in statistical mechanics
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Students and researchers in physical chemistry, materials science, and thermodynamics, particularly those interested in phase transitions and chemical potential concepts.

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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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