A Mereological Interpretation of the Phase Rule

• Published in: Philosophy of science Vol. 77; no. 5; pp. 900 - 910
• Main Author: Needham, Paul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University of Chicago Press 01.12.2010; Cambridge University Press
• Subjects: Accuracy; Algebra; Calcium carbonates; Calcium oxide; Carbon dioxide; Carbonates; Chemistry; Filosofiämnen; Historisk-filosofiska ämnen; History and philosophy subjects; HUMANIORA och RELIGIONSVETENSKAP; HUMANITIES and RELIGION; Liquids; Material properties; Mathematics; Mereology; Molecules; Philosophy of science; Philosophy subjects; Physics; Teoretisk filosofi; Theoretical philosophy; Vapor phases; Variables; Volume

Gibbs's phase rule treats mixtures by relating the number of independent variables governing their state to the numbers of phases and independent substances. For the case of a single substance, it provides a criterion of purity. But where more substances are involved, the notion of independent...