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Interactive Self-Study Module: Immiscible Liquids Phase Diagrams

Overview:

This module uses a screencast and interactive simulations to explain the vapor-liquid phase equilibrium of two immiscible liquids. Both pressure-composition and temperature-composition diagrams are explained. It then provides example problems and step-by-step quiz simulation(s) to allow the user to test themselves. Your retention of material in this module will increase if you write down reasons for your answers to ConcepTests, the questions in the screencast, and questions to answer before using interactive simulations, and you try to solve the example problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts. We suggest using the learning resources in the following order:

  1. Attempt to answer the multiple choice ConcepTest and solve the example problem before watching the screencasts or working with the simulations.
  2. Watch the screencast that describes the phase diagrams and answer the questions within the screencast.
  3. Review important equations for immiscible liquids phase diagrams.
  4. Use the interactive simulations to further understand the behavior of the phase diagrams.
  5. Use the quiz interactive simulation(s) to test your understanding by carrying out step-by-step preparation of phase diagrams.
  6. Try to solve the example problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts.
  7. Answer the ConcepTests.
  8. Look at the list of key points, but only after you try to list the key points yourself.
Motivation:
  •  Understanding the phase diagrams for immiscible liquids will help in understanding solid-liquid phase diagrams that have multiple solid phases.
  • This module is intended for a thermodynamics course and may also be useful for a materials course.
Before studying this module, you should be able to:
After studying this module, you should be able to:
  • Construct a pressure-composition diagram at a given temperature for two immiscible liquids, given saturation pressures at that temperature.
  • Construct a temperature-composition diagram at a given pressure for two immiscible liquids, given Antoine equations (saturation pressure versus temperature) for each component.
  • Determine what phases are present, given temperature, pressure, saturation pressures, and overall compositions.
  • Given a vapor composition and saturation pressure data, determine the temperature (at constant pressure) or the pressure (at constant temperature) at which one or more components condenses.