University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (9): 210-216.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202507024

• Science Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The water fairy's descent: decoding the phase diagram of water

Zhen Zhang, Xiaoli Ma, Yudi Niu, Kefen Yue   

  1. National Chemistry Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, Shaanxi Province, China
  • Received:2025-07-03 Accepted:2025-09-04 Published:2026-09-01
  • Contact: Kefen Yue E-mail:ykflyy@nwu.edu.cn

Abstract: Water exists in three fundamental states—solid, liquid, and gas—playing vital roles in human production and daily life. This article elucidates the scientific principles underlying water's phase transformations through a unique narrative approach. Adopting a physical chemistry perspective, we present the journey of “the water fairy” as she observes and interprets water's various states. By correlating her experiences with the water phase diagram, the fairy gradually demystifies this important thermodynamic tool. This exposition aims to enhance readers' understanding of phase diagrams and demonstrate their practical applications in guiding industrial processes and everyday life.

Key words: Water, Water phase diagram, Temperature, Pressure, Popular science