Phase Diagrams: Understanding Materials Science

This lecture introduces the concept of phase diagrams in materials science, focusing on the equilibrium between solid, liquid, and vapor phases. It covers the effects of temperature on phase transitions, the composition of systems, and the definitions of phases and constituents. The instructor explains the difference between multi-constituted and multi-phased systems, using examples like water-ethanol mixtures. The lecture also delves into the roles of solvents and solutes in binary systems, emphasizing the importance of composition. Additionally, it discusses the thermodynamics of phase transitions, including enthalpy and entropy changes. The presentation concludes with a brief overview of unary systems and the reduction of degrees of freedom in multi-phase systems.