At our precision device calibration company, we know that there’s always a scientific explanation for things that might seem magical or impossible at a glance. In many cases, gaining an understanding of what’s going on can have many different practical applications moving forward.

This is certainly the case when it comes to triple point. The term triple point refers to the specific temperature and pressure at which a substance can exist in a solid, liquid, and gas state simultaneously.

Exploring Water’s Triple Point

The combination of temperature and pressure that allows water to exist in its three states simultaneously is achieved at 273.16 K and a partial vapor pressure of 611.657 pascals. Interestingly, small changes in the temperature or pressure at this point can cause the whole of the substance to convert to one state of matter.

It is also important to note that the triple point of water correlates with the pressure necessary for liquid water to exist. Because ice is less dense than liquid water, ice frozen at pressures below the triple point will sublime directly into water vapor.

Practical Applications

While this is all interesting, it may not seem inherently helpful. On the contrary, however, the triple point of water provides a critical reference point when calibrating precision temperature equipment!

Using the triple point of water, our expert team is able to identify unacceptable drift between calibrations; the triple point provides a critical calibration point in terms of eliminating uncertainties.

The triple point of water also plays a role in establishing standards, allowing for improved thermometer standards that can help labs to extend the accuracy of their equipment.

For more information on precision equipment calibration, or to schedule a consultation regarding your temperature probes, be sure to contact us online or to call the Atlantic Scale Company team directly at (973) 661-7090 today!