PHZ3400-09 Emergence in Condensed Matter

I want you to type, and type, and type here... add as much information as comes to mind... formulas, links... whatever helps make the story more convincing... This is the Age of Wikipedia, after all...

Do we have to watch every atom?

The answer to this depends on the context of the problem. If one is looking at the motion of a soccer ball the answer is no. The particles of the air inside the ball can move randomly. These particles can appear to move erratically. However, if one were to look at the overall motion, the center of mass motion, of the aggregate the motion of the group is greatly simplified. On the other hand, if one wanted to know the air pressure inside the ball, knowing properties of the individual particles is probably more convenient.

The real question comes down to whether the property desired is macroscopic or microscopic. Macroscopic properties would describe large amounts of particles (about one mole).

Many phases of matter

Phase diagram used in a chocolate factory (do you believe it?).

Snow Flake.

How important is Quantum mechanics?

Why don't we suffer the faith of Rumpelstinskin (drop through the floor)?

Phase diagram of high temperature superconductors: chemically doped ceramics (magnetic insulators) to introduce mobile charge carriers.