Landau free energy

Landau free energy is a theoretical tool used to describe how materials change their properties, especially during phase transitions like melting or magnetizing. It involves a mathematical function that depends on an order parameter, which indicates the degree of change (e.g., from non-magnetic to magnetic). By analyzing this function, scientists can predict whether a transition is abrupt or gradual, and understand the conditions under which it occurs. Essentially, it helps visualize the energy landscape of a system, guiding insights into how materials behave as they move between different states.