Triple Point
A pure substance can exist in three phases: solid, liquid, or gas.
This is demonstrated on a PT diagram, which shows the location of the different phases in relation to pressure and temperature.
The triple point is where all three phases coexist, specified by a certain pressure and temperature characteristic to each substance.
For pure water, the triple point temperature is 0.01 degrees Celsius and the triple point pressure is 611.5 Pascal.
Water at the triple point exists as ice, liquid, and vapor simultaneously.
Experiment Setup
A vacuum chamber connected to a vacuum pump is used for the experiment.
A pressure and temperature sensor connected to a PC via USB allows monitoring of the values.
Liquid water in a petri dish is placed inside the chamber, and the pump is switched on to decrease pressure and temperature.
Observation
As pressure and temperature decrease, the liquid water starts to boil and ice forms on the surface.
Vapor bubbles appear in the liquid, indicating the presence of all three phases.
When the pump is switched off, the water stabilizes at the triple point, with all three phases coexisting.
Reintroducing normal pressure causes the vapor bubbles to disappear, and the ice and liquid water return to their respective states.
Sulfuric acid in the chamber attracts water molecules from the gas phase, aiding in improving the vacuum.
Other Observations
Below the triple point, a substance cannot exist in its liquid phase during condensation, as it will transition directly from the vapor phase to the solid phase (deposition).
This can be observed in nature, for example, when frost forms on surfaces by the direct deposition of water molecules.