triple point
The temperature and pressure
at which the vapor, liquid, and solid phases of a substance are in thermodynamic
equilibrium. The triple point of water, for
example, occurs at 273.16 K and 611.7 Pa. At this point, and no other, it
is possible to change all of the substance to ice, water, or vapor by making
infinitesimally small changes in pressure and temperature. The triple point
of water is used to define the kelvin, the
SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature.
Related entry
• phase diagram
Related category
• HEAT
AND THERMODYNAMICS
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