Properties of Pure Substances

Flashcards covering definitions and important concepts related to the properties of pure substances, phase changes, and thermodynamic properties.

Pure Substance

A substance with a fixed chemical composition throughout.

Saturated Liquid

A liquid that exists at its boiling point and is about to vaporize.

Saturated Vapor

A vapor that exists at its boiling point and is about to condense.

Superheated Vapor

A vapor that exists at a temperature higher than its boiling point and is not about to condense.

Quality (x)

The ratio of the mass of vapor to the total mass in a saturated liquid-vapor mixture.

Latent Heat of Vaporization

The amount of energy absorbed during vaporization, equivalent to the energy released during condensation.

Critical Point

The point at which the saturated liquid and saturated vapor states are identical.

Phase-Change Process

The transition of a pure substance from one phase to another, e.g., liquid to vapor.

Interpolation Technique

A method used to determine unknown values of properties in a phase by using known values.

P-v Diagram

A graphical representation of the relationship between pressure and specific volume of a substance.

T-v Diagram

A graphical representation of the relationship between temperature and specific volume of a substance.

Saturation Temperature (T_sat)

The temperature at which a pure substance changes phase at a given pressure.

Saturation Pressure (P_sat)

The pressure at which a pure substance changes phase at a given temperature.

Compressed Liquid

A liquid that exists below its boiling point and is not about to vaporize.

Dynamic Energy

The energy associated with the temperature and motion of a working fluid.

Thermodynamic Properties

Characteristics that define the physical state and behavior of a substance, including pressure, temperature, and specific volume.

Mixture

A substance that contains two or more components, like air which is a mixture of several gases.

Phase State

The distinct forms of matter (solid, liquid, gas) exhibited by a substance.