Phase Transitions: Stability Criteria

This lecture covers the concept of phase transitions in thermodynamics, where a system transforms from one phase to another due to instability in equilibrium. It discusses stability criteria based on entropy, internal energy, and thermodynamic potentials, such as the van der Waals model for liquid-vapor transition. The lecture also explores the implications of stability criteria on the behavior of entropy, internal energy, and thermodynamic potentials, emphasizing the principles of stability and convexity. Additionally, it delves into the concavity of Legendre transforms and the stability conditions for specific heat capacities. Overall, the lecture provides a comprehensive understanding of the criteria that govern phase transitions and stability in thermodynamic systems.