key term - Critical temperature

Definition

Critical temperature is the highest temperature at which a substance can exist as a liquid, regardless of pressure. Beyond this temperature, the substance becomes a supercritical fluid.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Critical temperature marks the end of the liquid-gas phase boundary.
2. Above critical temperature, distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist.
3. Each substance has its own unique critical temperature.
4. Critical temperature plays a crucial role in high-temperature superconductors where materials exhibit zero electrical resistance.
5. Knowledge of critical temperature is essential for understanding phase diagrams and the behavior of substances under varying conditions.

Review Questions

Related terms

Phase Diagram: A graphical representation showing the phases of a substance as functions of temperature and pressure.

Supercritical Fluid: A state of matter beyond its critical temperature and pressure where it exhibits properties of both liquids and gases.

High-Temperature Superconductors: Materials that conduct electricity without resistance at temperatures much higher than traditional superconductors, often requiring knowledge of their critical temperatures.