- #1
bmrick
- 44
- 0
Sorry for such a simple question but where do we model the energy going during phase transitions? If I had a mercury thermometer in a pot of water, and I had a 200 degree Celsius heat reservoir in contact with the water, I would see the water temp hold steady during the phase transition, despite the fact that the kinetic model of heat implies there is still an energy transfer goin on. Am I right to think that this energy is being used in the process of displacing air as the waters volume increase and it becomes steam? What if the water was held at a fixed volume, would I still see an energy absorbent phase change?
I'm thinking this has something to do with degrees of freedom but that explanation is giving me some headaches so I thought I'd ask you bright folks
I'm thinking this has something to do with degrees of freedom but that explanation is giving me some headaches so I thought I'd ask you bright folks