Phase Transitions

Abstract

Phase transitions are introduced using the van der Waals gas as an example. The equations of state are derived from the Helmholtz free energy of the ideal gas. The behavior of this model is analyzed, and an instability leads to a liquid-gas phase transition. The Maxwell construction for the pressure at which a phase transition occurs is derived. The effect of phase transition on the Gibbs free energy and Helmholtz free energy is shown. Latent heat is defined, and the Clausius–Clapeyron equation is derived. Gibbs' phase rule is derived and illustrated.