Definition check: Heat of transition in phase/allotrope changes: Heat of transition is the heat evolved or absorbed when a substance is converted from which state to which?

Chemical Engineering Stoichiometry Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Vapor to liquid
  • B
    Vapor to solid
  • C
    Solid to liquid
  • D
    One allotropic form to another allotropic form
  • E
    Liquid to supercritical fluid

Answer

Correct Answer: One allotropic form to another allotropic form

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Thermochemical quantities distinguish different types of transformations: fusion (melting), vaporisation, sublimation, and transition. Heat of transition specifically involves rearrangements between allotropic forms—distinct structural forms of the same element (e.g., graphite ⇄ diamond, rhombic ⇄ monoclinic sulfur).

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Allotropy refers to structural variations at the same aggregate state (usually solid).
  • Process occurs at constant pressure with measurable heat effect.

Concept / Approach:Identify the transformation type: phase changes between solid, liquid, and vapor have their own heats (fusion, vaporisation, sublimation). A transition between two allotropic forms is neither simple melting nor boiling; the associated enthalpy change is the heat of transition.

Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Allotrope A (solid) ⇄ Allotrope B (solid) → heat absorbed or released = heat of transition.Examples: rhombic sulfur → monoclinic sulfur; white tin → gray tin.

Verification / Alternative check:Thermochemistry tables list separate ΔH values for transition distinct from fusion or vaporisation, confirming the definition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Vapor ↔ liquid/solid and solid → liquid are standard phase-change heats (vaporisation, condensation, sublimation, fusion) not “transition.”
  • Liquid to supercritical fluid involves approaching the critical point, not an allotropic change.

Common Pitfalls:Equating allotropic transitions with polymorphic phase changes between different aggregate states; mixing up heat-of-transition with latent heat of fusion.

Final Answer:One allotropic form to another allotropic form

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