Question

What does a phase diagram look like at a non-phase change segment? What happens to temperature here?

a) Vertical lines; temperature increases
b) Horizontal lines; temperature remains constant
c) Diagonal lines; temperature decreases
d) Zigzag lines; temperature fluctuates

Answer 1

At a non-phase change segment of a phase diagram, diagonal lines represent the increase in temperature as a substance changes state, while horizontal lines represent constant temperature during actual phase changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

At a non-phase change segment of a phase diagram, the lines that are typically seen represent the change in state or phase as the temperature and pressure of the substance are altered. When a substance is not undergoing a phase change, and heat is added at a constant rate, the representation on a phase diagram is typically a diagonal line. This indicates that the temperature of the substance is increasing while the pressure remains constant or is also changing, depending on the path taken on the diagram.

During an actual phase change, such as melting or boiling, the phase diagram will show a horizontal line. This horizontal line signifies that the temperature remains constant while the substance undergoes a phase transition, absorbing or releasing heat without a change in temperature.