Enthelpic Excess Function - Phase Separation in Regular solutions

In summary, the conversation is about the diagram provided by the professor in his handout. The professor states that for beta values greater than 2, there are two minima and phase separation occurs due to unfavorable enthalpic interactions. The speaker disagrees, stating that for a negative value of Delta_mix G/nRT, mixing is spontaneous and the components would be miscible. At beta=2.5, the components should be fully miscible. The speaker also mentions that at beta=3, the maxima represents a phase separation while the minima represents two phases. They question who is correct and refer to a webpage that indicates only one phase at the maxima and two phases at the minima. The speaker is confused about how this
  • #1
elemis
163
1
My professor, in his handout (picture below), says the following about this diagram :

For [itex]\beta>+2[/itex] there are two minima and phase separation occurs driven
by unfavourable enthalpic interactions.

I disagree with him partly. For [itex]\Delta_{mix} G/nRT<0[/itex] mixing is spontaneous and hence there solutions would be miscible. Hence at [itex]\beta=2.5[/itex] should we not expect the components to be fully miscible. ?

Following on from this logic; for [itex]\beta=3[/itex] the components are only miscible for [itex]\Delta_{mix} G/nRT<0[/itex] so the maxima represents a phase separation between the two components.

Who is correct ?

Additionally,the webpage below indicates that at the maxima there is one phase whilst at the minima there are two. Does this mean at the maxima the solutions are miscible ? If so, how can this be true given that [itex]\Delta_{mix} G/nRT<0[/itex] is positive and hence mixing is unfavourable ?

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/~chdms/Teaching/Chemical_Interactions/page_17.htm


UXgcikZ.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Any ideas ?
 

1. What is the Enthelpic Excess Function?

The Enthelpic Excess Function is a mathematical model that describes the amount of energy required to mix two substances together. It takes into account the interactions between the molecules of the two substances and how they affect the overall energy of the system.

2. How does Phase Separation occur in Regular solutions?

In regular solutions, phase separation occurs when the interactions between the molecules of the two substances are different from each other. This creates an imbalance in the energy levels, causing the molecules to separate into distinct phases.

3. What factors affect the Enthelpic Excess Function?

The Enthelpic Excess Function is affected by several factors such as temperature, pressure, and the composition of the substances being mixed. Additionally, the molecular weight and size of the molecules also play a role in determining the value of the Enthelpic Excess Function.

4. How is the Enthelpic Excess Function calculated?

The Enthelpic Excess Function is calculated using thermodynamic equations and experimental data. It involves determining the energy of the system before and after mixing the substances and taking into account the interactions between the molecules.

5. What are some real-world applications of the Enthelpic Excess Function?

The Enthelpic Excess Function has various applications in fields such as chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. It is used to understand and predict the behavior of mixtures, as well as to design and optimize processes involving mixing of substances.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
731
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
817
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
833
Back
Top