Fázistranszíció

Fázistranszíció, also known as phase transition, refers to the physical process where a substance changes from one state (phase) to another. This change typically occurs when certain thermodynamic parameters, such as temperature or pressure, are altered. Common examples of phase transitions include melting (solid to liquid), freezing (liquid to solid), boiling (liquid to gas), condensation (gas to liquid), and sublimation (solid to gas).

These transitions are characterized by abrupt changes in the physical properties of the substance. For instance, during melting, the ordered structure of a solid breaks down into the more disordered arrangement of a liquid, leading to a change in properties like viscosity and density. The energy required for these transitions is known as latent heat. For example, the latent heat of fusion is the energy absorbed during melting, and the latent heat of vaporization is the energy absorbed during boiling.

Phase transitions are not limited to the familiar solid, liquid, and gas states. They also occur in more complex systems, such as magnetic materials (e.g., ferromagnetic to paramagnetic) and in quantum mechanics. The study of phase transitions is a fundamental aspect of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, providing insights into the behavior of matter under varying conditions and the emergence of macroscopic properties from microscopic interactions. Understanding phase transitions is crucial in many scientific and engineering fields, from materials science to meteorology.