On the Complete Kelvin Equation

Authors

  • Janet A.W. Elliot University of Alberta

Abstract

The Kelvin equation quantifies the deviation in equilibrium vapor pressure above a curved surface from that which would exist above a plane surface at the same temperature.  The correct equation and its derivation have been presented in the literature and can even be found in a minority of textbooks.  The majority of textbooks, however, have this equation and its derivation incorrect.  Herein, a complete discussion of the Kelvin Equation and its derivation is presented and errors in often-published derivations of the Kelvin Equation are explicitly pointed out.

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Author Biography

Janet A.W. Elliot, University of Alberta

Janet A. W. Elliott is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta where she holds a Canada Research Chair in lnterfacial Thermodynamics. She received a BASc degree in the physics option of engineering science and MASc and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto. She is currently the Director of Education and Student Affairs of the Canadian Society of Chemical Engineering. Her research and teaching interests are in thermodynamics.

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Published

2001-09-01

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 4 (2001): Fall 2001

Section

Manuscripts