Problem 5.27 (Schroeder’s Intro to Thermal Physics)

Problem 5.27

Graphite is more compressible than diamond.

(a) Taking compressibilities into account, would you expect the transition from graphite to diamond to occur at higher or lower pressure than that predicted in the text?
(b) The isothermal compressibility of graphite is about while that of diamond is more than ten times less and hence negligible in comparison. (Isothermal compressibility is the fractional reduction in volume per unit increase in pressure, as defined in Problem 1.46.) Use this information to make a revised estimate of the pressure at which diamond becomes more stable than graphite (at room temperature).

Solution:

Problem 5.27 Solution (Download)

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