Gibbs Phase Rule
The Gibbs phase rule represents the criterion for the number of phases that will coexist within a system at equilibrium, and is expressed by the equation
P + F = C + N
The parameter P represents the number of phases present. The parameter F is termed the number of degrees of freedom or the number of externally controlled variables (e.g., temperature, pressure, composition) which must be specified to completely define the system. The parameter C in the equation represents the number of components in the system. Finally N is the number of noncompositional variables (e.g. temperature and pressure).
Grace Gamboa 4/28/96
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