Use of simple experiments in the classroom, for teaching of phases and solutions, introduction to phase diagrams

Abstract

This article brings together various experiences aimed at achieving a better understanding of learning by students through the application of simple and easy experiments, oriented especially to understanding what Phase and Component concepts represent in an alloy system, so that they can approach the topic of Phase Diagrams in their Materials (Science, Engineering, Technology) courses with better background. Thus, experiences are presented that allow, initially, to recognize, solute and solvent concepts, to distinguish an unsaturated , a saturated, and a supersaturated solution. From this, it is sought that, through experimentation, students distinguish systems of total solubility, partial solubility, and insolubility and thus, fully understand what a phase, a phase transformation, and a component in a system means. Finally, a connection of these concepts is made with metallographic techniques as a methodology to distinguish the phases in real systems. These experiences have made it possible to improve student learning and to more easily address the topic of Phase Diagrams.