What in heaven's name is the 'Water Triple Point '?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the 'Water Triple Point,' exploring its definition, significance, and potential experimental demonstration. Participants delve into both theoretical aspects and practical implications, including the conditions under which all three phases of water coexist.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines the water triple point as the unique condition in the pressure-temperature plane where solid, liquid, and gas phases of water can coexist in equilibrium.
  • Another participant suggests an experimental setup involving a controlled environment to observe the transitions between phases of water, emphasizing the need for precise temperature and pressure adjustments.
  • A participant questions the nature of "proof" in scientific contexts, drawing an analogy to proving everyday objects.
  • Some participants share personal experiences of witnessing the triple point phenomenon, such as observing ice floating in boiling water.
  • Questions arise regarding whether water is unique in having a triple point, with references to external sources listing other substances with triple points.
  • Participants note that the triple point of water is integral to the definition of the Kelvin temperature scale, specifically defined at 273.16 K.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the definition and significance of the water triple point, while also raising questions about its uniqueness and the nature of scientific proof. Multiple competing views exist regarding the experimental demonstration and the broader implications of the triple point concept.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reference external sources, such as Wikipedia, for additional information on triple points of various substances, indicating a reliance on external definitions and examples. There is also an acknowledgment of the limitations in proving abstract concepts in science.

Cortazar
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What in heaven's name is the "'Water Triple Point"'?

And besides all the theory behind it, could you posit an experiment to prove it?
 
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It is the only point in the P,T plane where all three phases of water (solid, liquid, and gas) can coexist in equilibrium.
 


as for an experiment, well you would need a box of some sort with water inside, where you can carefully control the temperature and pressure, then by adjusting both to the required points, you should be able to see water go from liquid to solid to gas and back to liquid, only making slight changes in the conditions

heres a picture that shows the conditions at the point itself
http://www.sv.vt.edu/classes/MSE2094_NoteBook/96ClassProj/examples/trip_pt1.jpg
 
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Cortazar said:
And besides all the theory behind it, could you posit an experiment to prove it?

Prove WHAT?

Can you prove chess? Can you prove a car? Can you prove a dog?
 


Cortazar said:
And besides all the theory behind it, could you posit an experiment to prove it?

It is the temperature and pressure at which water is solid, liquid, and gas.

Someone in my high school chemistry class produced this state, so I have seen it with my own eyes. Ice floating in boiling water.
 


PatrickPowers said:
Ice floating in boiling water.

Cool.

Is water the only (or one of a rare breed of) substances that has a triple point?
 


DaveC426913 said:
Is water the only (or one of a rare breed of) substances that has a triple point?

Table of triple points (Wikipedia)

Factoid: the triple point of water is part of the definition of the Kelvin temperature scale. It's defined as 273.16 K, exactly.
 
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Not at all. The Wiki article on triple point includes a list of (some) materials with their triple points.

edit: Sorry. jtbell was faster.
 


DaveC426913 said:
Cool.

Is water the only (or one of a rare breed of) substances that has a triple point?

Apparently not the only one: . I'm having some laughs, I used youtube as a search engine for once, almost unbelievable.

Edit: both jtbell and nasu have been faster.
 
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  • #10


jtbell said:
Table of triple points (Wikipedia)

Factoid: the triple point of water is part of the definition of the Kelvin temperature scale. It's defined as 273.16 K, exactly.

nasu said:
Not at all. The Wiki article on triple point includes a list of (some) materials with their triple points.

edit: Sorry. jtbell was faster.
fluidistic said:
Apparently not the only one: . I'm having some laughs, I used youtube as a search engine for once, almost unbelievable.

Edit: both jtbell and nasu have been faster.

Excellent demonstration of the triple point of answers
 
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