What is the principal difference between congruent and incongruent phase transformations?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The principal difference between congruent and incongruent phase transformations lies in the overall chemical composition change occurring during the transformation process. In congruent phase transformations, the overall chemical composition remains the same before and after the phase change, whereas in incongruent phase transformations, the chemical composition of the initial and final phases are different due to the net exchange of atoms or ions between the phases.

Step by step solution

01

Define Congruent Phase Transformation

In a congruent phase transformation, the phase change occurs without any change in the overall chemical composition of the system. The initial and final phases have the same compositions, and there is no net exchange of atoms or ions between them. This transformation takes place by the rearrangement of atoms in the crystal structure, without any diffusion process.
02

Define Incongruent Phase Transformation

In an incongruent phase transformation, the process involves a change in the overall chemical compositions of the initial and final phases. During this type of transformation, the rearrangement of atoms in the crystal structure is accompanied by the diffusion of atoms or ions, resulting in the net exchange of species between the phases, leading to different compositions for the initial and final phases.
03

Principal Difference Between Congruent and Incongruent Phase Transformations

The principal difference between congruent and incongruent phase transformations lies in the overall chemical composition change occurring during the transformation process. In congruent phase transformations, the overall chemical composition remains the same before and after the phase change, whereas in incongruent phase transformations, the chemical composition of the initial and final phases are different due to the net exchange of atoms or ions between the phases.

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