Over 100-Year-Old Physics Problem Solved

Research reveals a simple parabolic equation governing melting points, demonstrating a fundamental unity across various materials and advancing phase transition understanding. Credit: SciTechDaily.com

A professor has developed a groundbreaking theory that provides a universal method for predicting melting points, addressing a century-old challenge in physics and offering significant benefits to materials science.

A longstanding problem in physics has finally been cracked by Professor Kostya Trachenko of Queen Mary University of London’s School of Physical and Chemical Sciences. His research, published in the Physical Review E, unveils a general theory for predicting melting points, a fundamental property whose understanding has baffled scientists for over a century.

Understanding States of Matter

For decades, our understanding of the three basic states of matter – solids, liquids, and gases – relied on temperature-pressure phase diagrams. These diagrams depict the conditions under which each state exists, with distinct lines separating them. However, one crucial line, the melting line – marking the transition between solid and liquid – lacked a universal description.

A New Framework for Melting Points

Professor Trachenko’s theory bridges this gap. By developing a new framework that incorporates recent advancements in liquid theory, he demonstrates that melting lines can be described by a simple parabolic equation. This not only offers a practical tool for predicting melting points but also reveals a surprising universality across different material types. This universality comes from observing that parameters in the parabolic equation are governed by fundamental physical constants such as the Planck constant and electron mass and charge.

“The simplicity and universality of this result are particularly exciting,” explains Professor Trachenko. “It suggests that melting, despite its complexities, exhibits a fundamental unity across diverse systems, from noble gases to metals.”

Impact on Material Science

This discovery holds significant implications beyond theoretical physics. Accurate prediction of melting points is crucial in materials science, with applications ranging from drug development to designing advanced materials and other areas where predicting phase diagrams is important. Professor Trachenko’s work paves the way for a deeper understanding of phase transitions and the creation of new materials with tailored properties.

Reference: “Theory of melting lines” by K. Trachenko, 18 March 2024, Physical Review E.
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.109.034122