British Universities Film & Video Council

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Describing Matter: A Macroscopic Approach

Synopsis
The PVT (pressure, volume, temperature) surface of any substance provides a wealth of information on its properties in the solid, liquid and gas phases. Illustrates the power and importance of the PVT surface and considers how various phases of matter are related and how a mathematical model can be constructed which will indicate how the given substance will behave under various PVT conditions. Shows a generic PVT surface and describes its main features - expansion at constant pressure, sublimation, the triple point, etc. For each point on the surface a relevant model or demonstration is shown in which the important physics is made real through experiment. Examines the properties of water, which is an anomalous substance in many of its macroscopic properties - for example, its density profile near to freezing. Looks at the PVT surface to see how the same sort of analysis can lead to predictions about how water behaves which are then confirmed by experiment.
Series
Physics of Matter, The: Course S272
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.
Year of production
1986
Availability
OUT OF DISTRIBUTION
Subjects
Physics
Keywords
surfaces

Credits

Producer
Ted Smith
Cast
Graham Farmelo 
Shelagh Ross 

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web
http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window
Phone
+44 (0) 1908 274066
Address
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
Notes
NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk

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