Introduction to phase diagram

 Component

Pure metal or compound (e.g., Cu, Zn in Cu-Zn alloy, sugar, water, in syrup.)

 Solvent

Host or major component in solution.

 Solute

Dissolved, minor component in solution.

 System

Set of possible alloys from same component (e.g., iron-carbon system.)

 Solubility Limit

Maximum solute concentration that can be dissolved at a given temperature.

 Phase

Part with homogeneous physical and chemical characteristics