Nucleation Theory

Nucleation Theory explains how new phases or structures, like bubbles, crystals, or droplets, begin to form within a material. It involves a balance: small clusters of molecules (nuclei) must reach a critical size to grow and become stable; smaller clusters tend to dissolve back into the surrounding material. This process is influenced by factors like temperature and energy changes. Nucleation explains phenomena such as cloud formation, metal solidification, and crystallization, highlighting how tiny initial seeds can initiate larger, organized structures within a different substance.