\prob{47}

Isotherms and coexistence curves are shown in the pV diagram above for a liquid-gas system. The dashed lines are the boundaries of the labeled regions.
In which region are the liquid and the vapor in equilibrium with each other?
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
|
Thermodynamics }Liquid-Vapor Equilibrium
The liquid-vapor region is where the substance can coexist as both a liquid and vapor. (A gas is just a vapor at normal temperatures.)
In this region, the liquid and vapor are in equilibrium, hence their coexistence. Equilibrium occurs when and , i.e., when the pressure and chemical potential of the liquid and vapor are equal to each other.
Since region B shows a constant pressure behavior, despite the volume-decrease, it is the region of liquid-vapor equilibrium.
|