Question

List the difference between first and second order phase transitions. What is the characteristics of lambda transition ?

Answer 1

The term phase transition is most commonly used to describe transitions between solid,liquid and gaseous states of matter, and, in rare cases, plasma. A phase of athermodynamic system and the states of matter have uniform physical properties. During a phase transition of a given medium certain properties of the medium change, often discontinuously, as a result of the change of some external condition, such as temperature, pressure, or others. For example, a liquid may become gas upon heating to theboiling point, resulting in an abrupt change involume. The measurement of the external conditions at which the transformation occurs is termed the phase transition. Phase transitions are common in nature and used today in many technologies.