Nucleation: meaning, definitions and examples
⚛️
nucleation
[ njuːklɪˈeɪʃən ]
science, physics
Nucleation is the process through which new phases, such as solids or droplets, begin to form from a parent phase, often a liquid or gas. It is a critical phenomenon in various scientific fields, including materials science, meteorology, and biology. During nucleation, atoms or molecules aggregate to form clusters, which can evolve into larger structures if conditions allow. The kinetics of nucleation can influence the properties of the resulting phase, making it a subject of intense study in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
Synonyms
formation, genesis, initiating
Examples of usage
- Nucleation of ice crystals occurs when temperatures drop.
- The study of bubble nucleation is essential in understanding boiling.
- Nucleation sites are crucial for crystal growth in materials.
- The process of homogenous and heterogeneous nucleation affects droplet formation.
Translations
Translations of the word "nucleation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 nucleação
🇮🇳 न्यूक्लियेशन
🇩🇪 Nukleation
🇮🇩 nukleasi
🇺🇦 нуклеація
🇵🇱 nukleacja
🇯🇵 核形成
🇫🇷 nucléation
🇪🇸 nucleación
🇹🇷 nükleasyon
🇰🇷 핵형성
🇸🇦 نواة
🇨🇿 nukleace
🇸🇰 nukleácia
🇨🇳 成核
🇸🇮 nukleacija
🇮🇸 kjarna
🇰🇿 ядро қалыптастыру
🇬🇪 ნუკლეაცია
🇦🇿 nukleasiya
🇲🇽 nucleación
Etymology
The term 'nucleation' originates from the Latin word 'nucleus', which means 'kernel' or 'core'. The concept began to take shape in the early 20th century as scientists sought to understand phase transitions in materials. The term gained prominence in various fields, including chemistry and physics, as research progressed into more complex systems, such as colloids and biomolecules. Initially, nucleation was primarily associated with crystallization processes; however, it has since expanded to include phenomena like bubble formation in liquids and particle formation in aerosols. The evolution of the concept reflected broader advancements in thermodynamics and condensed matter physics, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of how new phases emerge from existing ones.