Second-order Transition

A second-order transition is a type of change in a system where the state shifts smoothly rather than suddenly. In these transitions, properties like the order parameter (which indicates the state of the system) change continuously, without a sharp jump. Think of water gradually turning into vapor – the process involves smooth changes in properties like density, rather than abrupt shifts. These transitions are characterized by diverging correlation lengths and critical fluctuations, often observed in phenomena like magnets losing their magnetization or specific heats peaking near critical points.