Size Effect in Heterogeneous Nucleation

Abstract

Assuming a spherical nucleating particle, the effect of particle size and surface properties upon nucleation efficiency is investigated. A general result is derived which is then applied to the condensation, sublimation, and freezing of water on foreign nuclei. The size effect is found to become important in the range 100–1000 A of particle radius. For particles larger than this, nucleation efficiency is substantially independent of size, while for smaller particles the efficiency is very greatly reduced.