Interface: Difference between revisions
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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. The cost | 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 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 | ||
Revision as of 10:30, 3 October 2008
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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 diffusion at interfaces.