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

• What happens to a substance when it is heated above its critical temperature?
• How does critical temperature relate to phase changes in substances?
• Why is understanding critical temperature important for studying high-temperature superconductors?

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.