In: Chemistry
Discuss what will be observed as a sample of water is taken along a path in its phase diagram that encircles and is close to its critical point.
As we know Critical point is the end point of the phase equilibrium curve.
(the critical point of water occurs at around 647 K and 22.064 MPa)
Therefore, It is observed that in the vicinity of the critical point, the physical properties of the Vapour and the liquid change dramatically, with both phases becoming ever more similar .
But the liquid water under normal conditions is nearly incompressible, has a high dielectric constant, has a low thermal expansion coefficient, and is an excellent solvent for electrolytes.
And Near the critical point, all these properties changes as water becomes compressible,a poor dielectric expandable, a bad solvent for electrolytes, and prefers to mix with organic molecules and non-polar gases.