Understanding Phases in Thermodynamics

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Define specific volume.

Specific volume is the volume occupied by a unit mass of a substance.

What is a superheated vapor?

A superheated vapor is a vapor that is at a temperature higher than its saturation temperature for a given pressure.

Explain a saturated liquid-vapor mixture.

A saturated liquid-vapor mixture contains both liquid and vapor phases in equilibrium at the saturation temperature and pressure.

Define saturated vapor.

A saturated vapor is a vapor that is at its saturation temperature for a given pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a phase-change process?

A phase-change process is a physical change in which a substance transitions from one phase to another, such as from liquid to vapor. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of understanding the path of a thermodynamic process.

Understanding the path of a process is crucial as it describes how the system changes from one state to another and the interactions with the surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a superheated vapor?

A vapor that is not about to condense (i.e., not a saturated vapor). Signup and view all the answers

How does the temperature change in a superheated vapor when heat is added?

The temperature of the vapor increases as heat is added. Signup and view all the answers

Define the specific volume of a substance.

The specific volume of a substance is the volume per unit mass of the substance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a saturated liquid-vapor mixture?

A state where both liquid and vapor phases coexist in equilibrium. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the phase-change process for a saturated vapor.

For a saturated vapor, further heat transfer results in an increase in specific volume. Signup and view all the answers

How is a property diagram useful in studying phase-change processes?

Property diagrams help in understanding the variations of properties during phase-change processes. Signup and view all the answers

Define a pure substance and give an example.

A pure substance has a fixed chemical composition throughout its phase change. Example: water, steam, refrigerants. Signup and view all the answers

What is sensible heat? How is it defined?

Sensible heat is the thermal energy associated with a change in temperature while the phase remains constant. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of compressibility factor (z) and how it is obtained.

The compressibility factor (z) is obtained by intersecting the values of reduced pressure and temperature on a compressibility factor chart. Signup and view all the answers

What are the focused phases when studying the properties of a pure substance?

The liquid and vapor phases, including their mixture. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly explain the concept of specific volume in relation to pure substances.

Specific volume is the volume occupied by a unit mass of a substance. It varies with phase and temperature. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the importance of understanding the phase-change process of a pure substance.

Understanding the phase-change process is essential for calculating the properties of a pure substance. Signup and view all the answers

Specific volume

The volume occupied by a unit mass of a substance.

Superheated vapor

A vapor at a temperature higher than its saturation temperature for a given pressure.