Interface: Difference between revisions

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{{Stub-general}}
An '''interface''' is the region that separates two bulk phases. An interface is a molecular
 
structure, given that one of its characteristic lengths is of molecular size. It is therefore
An interface is the region that separates two bulk phases. An interface is a molecular
non-trivial to precisely define the [[intrinsic surface]], the mathematical surface that describes the interface at the
structure, given that one of its characteristic lengths is of molecular size. The cost
microscopic level. The cost
in [[Helmholtz energy function | Helmholtz energy]] to create such a structure is known as the the [[surface tension]].
in terms of the [[Helmholtz energy function | Helmholtz energy]] to create such a structure is known as the the [[surface tension]].
The simplest, most studied, and perhaps most important interface is the
The simplest, most studied, and perhaps most important interface is the
fluid/fluid interface: the liquid/vapour interface of a one-component system.
fluid/fluid interface: the liquid/vapour interface of a one-component system.
Interfaces are subject to
Interfaces are subject to
thermal noise, which leads to  [[capillary waves| thermal capillary waves]].
thermal noise, which leads to  [[capillary waves| thermal capillary waves]].  
==See also==
*[[Capillary fluctuation method]]
*[[Cleaving method]]
*[[Diffusion at interfaces]]
*[[Surface tension]]
==References==
==References==
[[Category: Confined systems]]
'''Related reading'''
*[http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00018737900101365 R. Evans "The nature of the liquid-vapour interface and other topics in the statistical mechanics of non-uniform, classical fluids", Advances in Physics '''28''' pp. 143-200 (1979)]
[[Category: Confined systems ]] [[ Category: Phase transitions  ]]

Latest revision as of 11:17, 21 September 2009

An interface is the region that separates two bulk phases. An interface is a molecular structure, given that one of its characteristic lengths is of molecular size. It is therefore non-trivial to precisely define the intrinsic surface, the mathematical surface that describes the interface at the microscopic level. The cost in terms of the Helmholtz energy to create such a structure is known as the the surface tension. The simplest, most studied, and perhaps most important interface is the fluid/fluid interface: the liquid/vapour interface of a one-component system. Interfaces are subject to thermal noise, which leads to thermal capillary waves.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Related reading