Practice question · Multiple choice
Chemical potential equivalence determines phase coexistence, whereas free energy derivatives classify the transition order. Why does equal chemical potential not preclude a discontinuous jump in volume?
Hints
- Which thermodynamic derivative of the chemical potential yields the specific volume?
- Does the equality of two functions at a point guarantee that their gradients match?
Show the answer
B. Volume depends on the slope of chemical potential with pressure
Why
Chemical potential continuity means , but its first derivative can differ across phases. Mistaking equal potentials for equal densities ignores derivative jumps. In second-order transitions, even higher derivatives remain coupled to distinct response functions.
Practise Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena
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