CONCEPTUAL PROBLEMS:

1. What is the difference between the states of phase equilibrium and metastability?
For the condition of phase equilibrium the free energy is a minimum, the system is completely
stable meaning that over time the phase characteristics are constant. For metastability, the
system is not at equilibrium and there are very slight (and often imperceptible) changes of the
phase characteristics with time.
2. For a ternary system, three compartments are present; temperature is also a variable.
What is the maximum number of phases that may be present for a ternary system,
assuming that pressure is held constant.
For a ternary system (C=3) at constant pressure (N=1), Gibbs phase rule becomes
P+F=C+N=3+1=4
Or,
P=4-F
Thus, when F=0, P will have its maximum value of 4, which means that the maximum number of
phases present for this situation is 4.
3. What thermodynamic condition must be met for a state of equilibrium to exist?
In order for a system to exit in a state of equilibrium the free energy must be a minimum for
some specified combination of temperature, pressure and composition.
4. How can solid solutions form in ceramic systems?
Solid solutions may form either by substitutional or interstitial mechanisms. The guest atoms or
ions may enter the host crystal structure at regular crystallographic positions or the interstices.
This is applicable for metallic and ceramic systems.
5. What is brass? Explain which element strengthens the matrix for this alloy.
Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. The main component of brass is copper
and varies between 55%-95% by weight depending on the type of brass and its intended use.
The second component is zinc. The higher the percentage of zinc, the stronger and harder
however they are also difficult to form and have less corrosion resistance. Some brasses also
contain small percentages of lead which improves machinability, tin which improves corrosion
resistance, iron which makes the brass harder and makes the internal grain structure smaller
and arsenic and antimony which is added to brasses that contain more than 20% zinc to inhibit
corrosion. Other materials that may be used in very small amounts are manganese, silicon and
phosphorus.
6. Discuss each factor that permits Cu-Ni to be isomorphous over the temperature range
350-1000C.
The empirical rules of Hume-Rothery identify the characteristics that two elements must have in
common for extensive solubility. This should require that
a.
b.
c.
d.

The two components must have the same crystal structure

The atomic radii of the two atoms must be similar
The two components have the comparable electronegativities, and
The two components have the similar valence

7. Why are the distances between lamellae formed in an eutectoid reaction typically
separated by distances smaller than those formed in eutectic reactions?
By increasing the cooling rate during the eutectoid reaction, we reduce the distance that the
distance that the atoms are able to diffuse. Consequently, the lamellae produced during the
reaction are finer or more closely spaced. By producing fine pearlite, we increase the strength of
the alloy.