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
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
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
non-trivial to precisely define the [[intrinsic surface]], the mathematical surface that describes the interface at the
microscopic level. The cost
microscopic level. The cost
in terms of the [[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]]. See also
thermal noise, which leads to  [[capillary waves| thermal capillary waves]].  
[[diffusion at interfaces]].
==See also==
*[[Capillary fluctuation method]]
*[[Cleaving method]]
*[[Diffusion at interfaces]]
*[[Surface tension]]
==References==
==References==
#[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) ]
'''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  ]]
[[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