Do gas-gas and/or liquid-liquid phase transitions exist?

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of thermal storage using latent heat and the possibility of gas/gas and liquid/liquid phase transitions existing. The speaker is writing a short report on the subject and wants to systematize all phase transitions in the introduction. They mention that gas/gas phase transitions do not exist, but there is some evidence of liquid/liquid phase transitions in water. The conversation also mentions Van der Waall's forces and the importance of considering energy in mixtures that may not have obvious phase changes.
  • #1
M_1
31
1
I'm writing a short report about thermal storage using latent heat and the topic is liquid/solid phase transitions. I would however like to systematize all phase transitions in the intro and I'm curious if gas/gas and/or liquid/liquid phase transitions exist.

For gas-gas I think that the obvious answer is no, such phase transitions do not exist, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

For liquid-liquid I get the impression that such transitions are hypothesized in water, but that's all regarding such transitions. Is this correct?

Many thanks for any answers.
 
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  • #2
M_1 said:
For gas-gas I think that the obvious answer is no, such phase transitions do not exist, but please correct me if I'm wrong.
Heat transfer without the 'expected' amount of 'sensible heat' (look it up) is actually not that uncommon. It happens when Van Der Waall's forces come into play. That's a mild version of a phase transition but doesn't involve the dramatic energy change that melting and boiling does.
But there's a tricky path if you try to to nail all Science down to the rigid descriptions we start off with.
 
  • #3
M_1 said:
I'm writing a short report about thermal storage using latent heat and the topic is liquid/solid phase transitions. I would however like to systematize all phase transitions in the intro and I'm curious if gas/gas and/or liquid/liquid phase transitions exist.
...
Please, see:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_(matter)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_transition

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_point

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latent_heat

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_energy_storage

:cool:
 
  • #4
Something that should be mentioned is the energy involved as some mixtures do not change state in an obvious way or at a particular temperature. Antifreeze in engine coolants spreads the temperature range of melting / solidifying over a wide range (down to -36C or more). The 'phase' state is not really definable in that range because the coolant goes more like porridge than a liquid or solid.
 

1. What is a phase transition?

A phase transition is a physical change that occurs when a substance changes from one state of matter to another, such as from solid to liquid or from liquid to gas. This change is caused by alterations in temperature, pressure, or other external factors.

2. What is the difference between a gas-gas and liquid-liquid phase transition?

A gas-gas phase transition occurs when a gas changes from one state to another, such as from a monatomic gas to a diatomic gas. A liquid-liquid phase transition, on the other hand, occurs when a liquid changes from one state to another, such as from a polar liquid to a nonpolar liquid.

3. Do gas-gas and liquid-liquid phase transitions exist in all substances?

No, gas-gas and liquid-liquid phase transitions do not exist in all substances. These transitions depend on the chemical and physical properties of the substance, such as the strength of intermolecular forces and the temperature and pressure conditions. Some substances may not exhibit these types of phase transitions at all.

4. How are gas-gas and liquid-liquid phase transitions studied?

Gas-gas and liquid-liquid phase transitions can be studied through various experimental techniques, such as measuring changes in temperature, pressure, and volume. Scientists also use theoretical models and simulations to understand the behavior of these transitions in different substances.

5. What are the practical applications of understanding gas-gas and liquid-liquid phase transitions?

Understanding gas-gas and liquid-liquid phase transitions is important in many fields, including materials science, chemistry, and engineering. It can help in the development of new materials with specific properties, as well as in the design of processes and technologies that involve phase changes, such as distillation and refrigeration.

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