Ice Phase transition as a sample of finite system phase transition

M.R.Khoshbin-e-Khoshnazar

Physics Department, Curriculum Development Center Organization & Educational Planning

A phase is a physically homogeneous part of a substance separated from other parts of the system by an interface. Claim is that a transition from one phase to another at a given pressure occurs at a strictly constant temperature, and e.g. for the ice, it remains solid until it temperature reaches its melting point at 0°C. At that point, the ice stops getting warmer and begins to melt without a temperature change. Experiments show this claim is not correct and should be modified. The discussion concerning phase transitions in finite systems is certainly an interesting subject. Thermodynamic phase transitions are only defined for infinite systems. It has been shown this feature is common aspect in nuclear matter phase transitions, as well.