A ternary system is a type of system that involves three distinct components or phases. In various fields, such as chemistry and materials science, it often refers to mixtures or solutions that consist of three different substances. These systems can exhibit unique properties and behaviors that are not present in binary systems, which only involve two components. In the context of phase diagrams, a ternary system can be represented graphically to show how the three components interact with each other under different conditions, such as temperature and pressure. This representation helps scientists and engineers understand the relationships and potential outcomes of combining these three substances, aiding in the design of new materials or processes.