Duhem–Margules equation

The Duhem–Margules equation, named for Pierre Duhem and Max Margules, is a thermodynamic statement of the relationship between the two components of a single liquid where the vapour mixture is regarded as an ideal gas:

where PA and PB are the partial vapour pressures of the two constituents and xA and xB are the mole fractions of the liquid. The equation gives the relation between changes in mole fraction and partial pressure of the components.

Derivation

edit

Let us consider a binary liquid mixture of two component in equilibrium with their vapor at constant temperature and pressure. Then from the Gibbs–Duhem equation, we have

  (1)

Where nA and nB are number of moles of the component A and B while μA and μB are their chemical potentials.

Dividing equation (1) by nA + nB, then

 

Or

  (2)

Now the chemical potential of any component in mixture is dependent upon temperature, pressure and the composition of the mixture. Hence if temperature and pressure are taken to be constant, the chemical potentials must satisfy

  (3)
  (4)

Putting these values in equation (2), then

  (5)

Because the sum of mole fractions of all components in the mixture is unity, i.e.,

 

we have

 

so equation (5) can be re-written:

  (6)

Now the chemical potential of any component in mixture is such that

 

where P is the partial pressure of that component. By differentiating this equation with respect to the mole fraction of a component:

 

we have for components A and B

  (7)
  (8)

Substituting these value in equation (6), then

 

or

 

This final equation is the Duhem–Margules equation.

Sources

edit
  • Atkins, Peter and Julio de Paula. 2002. Physical Chemistry, 7th ed. New York: W. H. Freeman and Co.
  • Carter, Ashley H. 2001. Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.