Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Entry Exam
Passage / Scenario
In a phase diagram, what term is used for a substance held at a temperature and pressure where solid, liquid, and gaseous states of a substance exist simultaneously?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The point described in the question is called the triple point. At the triple point, all three phases of a substance (solid, liquid, and gas) coexist in equilibrium. The critical temperature is the highest temperature at which a distinct liquid phase can form, while absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature. The critical point is the point on a phase diagram that represents the highest temperature and pressure at which a distinct liquid and gas phase can coexist. Therefore, the correct answer is the triple point, where all three phases coexist.