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critical phenomena

Critical phenomena refer to the behaviors and properties of materials or systems as they approach a phase transition, such as from liquid to gas. Near this transition point, small changes in conditions (like temperature or pressure) can lead to dramatic changes in the system's state. For example, water boiling rapidly creates steam. Critical phenomena often exhibit unusual patterns and correlations, revealing the underlying complexities in nature. Scientists study these behaviors to better understand concepts like universality, where different systems share common traits despite differing details, helping explain various physical and biological processes.

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    Critical phenomena refer to significant changes in behavior that occur in systems as they approach a critical point, often in physics or social sciences. At this point, small differences can lead to drastic effects, like how water can suddenly boil or how a small crowd can turn into a riot. These phenomena highlight the nature of complex systems, where the interplay of numerous factors leads to unexpected outcomes, such as phase transitions (like solid to liquid) or collective behaviors. Understanding critical phenomena helps us grasp how systems behave under stress or change.