Landau theory

Landau theory, developed by physicist Lev Landau, is a framework used to describe phase transitions in materials, like when water turns to ice. It focuses on how a system's properties change as conditions (like temperature or pressure) change. Instead of detailing molecular interactions, it uses an order parameter to characterize different phases. For instance, in a magnetic material, the order parameter might describe the alignment of spins. Landau theory helps predict overall behavior during phase changes, supporting the understanding of complex phenomena in physics and materials science through a mathematical and conceptual approach.