nucleatsioonimäära

Nucleation rate refers to the frequency at which new stable nuclei form within a metastable phase during a phase transition. This phenomenon is crucial in processes like crystallization, precipitation, and the formation of bubbles in boiling liquids. The nucleation rate is highly dependent on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities or defects.

There are two primary types of nucleation: homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous nucleation occurs spontaneously within the bulk of the metastable phase, requiring significant overcoming of an energy barrier to create a new phase. Heterogeneous nucleation, on the other hand, occurs on existing surfaces, interfaces, or impurities. This type of nucleation typically has a lower energy barrier and is therefore more common in real-world scenarios.

The rate of nucleation is often described by an exponential function, reflecting the probabilistic nature of overcoming the energy barrier. Higher degrees of supersaturation or supercooling generally lead to increased nucleation rates. Understanding and controlling nucleation rates are vital for applications ranging from manufacturing pharmaceuticals and controlling ice formation to the formation of stars and planets.