Phasenübergängen

Phasenübergängen, also known as phase transitions, are a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry describing the transformation of a system from one state of matter to another. These transitions occur when thermodynamic parameters such as temperature, pressure, or magnetic field are altered, causing a change in the system's physical properties. The most common examples involve the transitions between solid, liquid, and gaseous states. For instance, melting is the transition from solid to liquid, while boiling is the transition from liquid to gas. Conversely, freezing is the transition from liquid to solid, and condensation is the transition from gas to liquid. Sublimation and deposition represent direct transitions between solid and gaseous states, bypassing the liquid phase.

These transitions are often characterized by a distinct change in properties like density, specific heat, and entropy. Many phase transitions are first-order, meaning they involve a latent heat – energy absorbed or released during the transition at a constant temperature. Others are second-order or continuous, where properties change smoothly but their derivatives exhibit discontinuities. Examples of second-order transitions include the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition at the Curie temperature. The study of Phasenübergängen is crucial for understanding material behavior, designing new materials, and explaining phenomena observed in diverse fields from meteorology to cosmology.