1.3 Landau Theory II

Question 1

What can we change about our assumption in the free energy equation?

Answer 1

Relax the symmetric assumption so now we have the F(3) term

Question 2

Give the general equation form for the free energy after we have relaxed the symmetric assumption

Answer 2

F = α(T-T_C) M^2 + γM^3 + βM^4

Question 3

Describe the properties of a hysteresis loop on the M-T graph

Answer 3

Fluctuations are irrelevant

• Irreversible discontinuous path
• Points to a first order phase transition