Present State of the Theory of Homogeneous Nucleation

The present state of the theory of the spontaneous condensation of a supersaturated vapour is discussed, and modern methods for calculating the free energy of nuclei of the new phase are examined, especially in the light of the resolution of the Lothe–Pound paradox. Reasons for the differences between the best known formulae for the rate of nucleation are analysed. The limits of applicability of the existing theory to practical calculations are deduced from a consideration of a large quantity of experimental data, and specific problems that have not yet been completely solved are mentioned.
A list of 179 references is included.