Metastable Phase Diagrams

Metastable phase diagrams illustrate the stability of different states of matter (like solid, liquid, and gas) under varying conditions, such as temperature and pressure. Unlike stable states, metastable phases can exist for a long time but are not the most stable configuration. For example, a supercooled liquid can remain liquid below its freezing point without crystallizing. In these diagrams, the metastable regions show where such states can exist. Understanding these diagrams helps scientists predict material behavior in different environments, which is essential in fields like chemistry, materials science, and geology.