What is eutectic reaction What is eutectoid reaction What is
Solution
Eutectic reaction: A eutectic reaction is a reaction when one a liquid cools down into a mixture of two solids. Elements have different miscibility at different temperatures. So, when a liquid containing two elements soluble in one another cools down to a level where the solutbility is limited, then the excess element is sandwiched between the zones containing the mixture. This reaction is Eutectic reaction. In the Iron-Carbide diagram above, it is represented by the point D.
Eutectoid reaction: A eutectoid reaction is a reaction where one solid divides into a mixture of two solids. It has the same concept as eutectic reaction but here, instead of a liquid splitting up into two solids, a solid breaks down into two solids. For example, B is an eutectoid reaction
Peritectic reaction: A peritectic reaction is where the mixture of a solid and liquid combines into a single solid. Here, the miscibility is low when there is a phase-equilibrium between the liquid and the solid but as the temperature decreases, the solubility increases. Hence, it is completely miscible in the solid. For example, A shows the peritectic reaction happening.
Yes, since all the solutions are in a state of pahse equilibrium, they can be interchanged and the reaction can go either ways. It is completely reversible.
