8.334: Statistical Physics II (Spring 2026)

Lecture 2

  Phase transitions
  • Phase diagrams for liquid/gas condensation

  • Critical exponents, and their universality

  • Critical opalescence:

    • Critical point of Ethyl Ether (CriticalPoint.mov)

    4C50.10 Critical Opalescence: CO2 heated while under pressure

    Critical point of water

    Critical point in liquid-liquid (cyclohexane/ methanol)

    8.334  - last update 2/3/26     by M. Kardar