An exactly solvable model is presented that exhibits a phase transition and that can be exactly described by Landau's phase transition theory. The model is used to elucidate the constructs and assumptions that go into the Landau theory, and also to illustrate the role of fluctuations near an instability in a finite system.
Topics
Phase transitions
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© 1972 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1972
American Association of Physics Teachers
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