When there are weak interactions in the solid state, there is a low temperature miscibility gap.
Sketch free energy curves to find phase diagram
Look at how curves move with respect to each other when raising temperature. A liquid curve moves down. There may be a eutectic temperature.
Eutectic point features
Ag-Cu
Mixture melts at lower temperature
Water and salt
Add salt to water to melt at lower temperature
Lead tin
Water and air
Peritectic
Energy curves and phase diagram
Solidification
Generalize reactions
Peritectic upon cooling is a eutectic upon heating. Two phases turn into one or one turns into two. In a eutectic reaction, <math>\alpha</math> and <math>\beta</math> are formed, and <math>\gamma</math> is formed in a peritectic reaction. It is the same reaction, but the temperature axis is inverted. Eutectics involve liquids, and only solids are invloved in the eutectoid reactions.
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All pieces of the phase diagram have been discussed.
Recommendations
Get good at sketching graphs. Know what the anchor points are and whether lines go down. Consider solubility issues. It works systematically.