[Physics] Shape of isotherms in $P$-$V$ phase diagram

phase diagramphase-transitionpressurethermodynamicsvolume

Please explain the shape of the isotherms in this P-V phase diagram. In particular, why are the isotherms flat in the liquid-vapor region?

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(image from Lumen Learning | Physics | Phase Changes)

Best Answer

In this region of the $P$-$V$ diagram liquid and gas phase coexist. That means

  • some of the liquid can evaporate and become gas,
  • or some of the gas can condense and become liquid

while the pressure $P$ and temperature $T$ don't change.

Because of the different densities of liquid and gas this happens with a big change of volume $V$.

That's why in the $P$-$V$ diagram the isothermal lines (i.e. $T = \text{const}$) are flat lines. When moving along such a line the percentages of liquid and gas change, while the total amount of substance of course stays the same. On the left edge of the blue area there is 100% liquid, and on the right edge there is 100% gas.

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