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Ch.11 - Liquids and Intermolecular Forces
Chapter 11, Problem 61a

The phase diagram for neon is
Use the phase diagram to answer the following questions. (a) What is the approximate value of the normal melting point?

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Step 1: Understand what a phase diagram is. A phase diagram is a graphical representation of the physical states of a substance under different temperatures and pressures. It shows the regions where the substance exists as a solid, liquid, or gas.
Step 2: Identify the 'normal melting point' on the phase diagram. The normal melting point is the temperature at which a substance changes from solid to liquid at 1 atmosphere of pressure. On a phase diagram, this is the point where the solid and liquid phases meet along the line that represents 1 atmosphere of pressure.
Step 3: Look at the phase diagram for neon. Find the point where the solid and liquid phases meet along the line that represents 1 atmosphere of pressure.
Step 4: Read off the temperature at this point. This is the normal melting point of neon.
Step 5: Remember that the exact value will depend on the specific phase diagram you are using. Make sure to use the scale provided on the diagram to get an accurate reading.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Phase Diagram

A phase diagram is a graphical representation that shows the phases of a substance (solid, liquid, gas) at various temperatures and pressures. It helps in understanding the conditions under which a substance will exist in different states. The lines on the diagram indicate phase transitions, such as melting and boiling points, and the areas represent the stable phases.
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Normal Melting Point

The normal melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it transitions from solid to liquid at a pressure of 1 atmosphere (atm). This value is crucial for identifying the thermal properties of materials and is typically found at the intersection of the solid and liquid phases on a phase diagram. For neon, this point indicates the temperature at which it can melt under standard atmospheric conditions.
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Critical Point

The critical point on a phase diagram marks the end of the liquid-gas phase boundary, beyond which the liquid and gas phases become indistinguishable. Understanding the critical point is essential for comprehending the behavior of substances under extreme conditions. It provides insight into the limits of phase stability and is important for applications in fields like material science and thermodynamics.
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