Interfacial Phenomena
Between two phases in equilibrium there is a narrow region where the properties are not that of either phase. Although this region may be very thin, it can have significant and easily observable effects, such as causing a liquid to exhibit surface tension. In mixtures, some components may preferentially move toward the interface. In terms of modeling, describing, or understanding the behavior of a particular system, it may be efficacious to treat the interfacial region as a separate phase.
Read more about this topic: Phase (matter)
Famous quotes containing the word phenomena:
“What were the phenomena of the world today? If I knew little else, I knew the answerwar, and the preparations for new war.”
—Norman Mailer (b. 1923)