Critical Exponents and Universality
As we approach the critical point, these diverging observables behave as for some exponent where, typically, the value of the exponent α is the same above and below Tc. These exponents are called critical exponents and are robust observables. Even more, they take the same values for very different physical systems. This intriguing phenomenon, called universality, is explained, qualitatively and also quantitatively, by the renormalization group.
Read more about this topic: Critical Phenomena
Famous quotes containing the word critical:
“The principle goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done; men and women who are creative, inventive and discoverers, who can be critical and verify, and not accept, everything they are offered.”
—Jean Piaget (1896–1980)