Schreinemakers Analysis - Problem #3: Analysis of an Invariant Point (Mg-Zo-An-Gr-Pr-Ky)

Dexter Perkins

University of North Dakota

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Initial Publication Date: January 21, 2008 | Reviewed: July 2, 2012 (see revision history: 2 events)

Summary

This is a challenging Schreinemakers analysis problem.

Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria, PTt Relationships | College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)

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Context

Audience

I use this in my Petrology class as either an in-class exercise or as homework. It is NOT simple for some students and, so, may be best done in a group.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

They need to know the basic Schreinemakers process and logic. They also need to be able to identify and balance reactions in a complex system. (I let them use a Gauss-Jordan-Reduction program for this purpose.)

How the activity is situated in the course

My petrology class is a studio class and so group activities and in-class work are key. This is one of many exercises the students do during the semester.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goal is to get them to (1) be able to do a Schreinemakers analysis, and (2) understand the significance of invariant points and stable/metastable equilibria.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Thinking, logic, reasoning, and deduction are involved. -- this problem sometimes stumps students who are looking for a cookbook approach. Accuracy and care are essential.

Other skills goals for this activity

They need to be able to identify and balance reactions in a complex system. (I let them use a Gauss-Jordan-Reduction program for this purpose.)

Description of the activity/assignment

This is a standard Schreinemakers problem: identifying the sequence of stable and metastable reactions around an invariant point. However, this problem deals with a 4-component system and phases of complex chemistry. So, Identifying and balancing the reactions is not trivial and can be a real challenge for some students.