homogeneous nucleation

crystallography

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June 29, 2026

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Homogeneous nucleation is a process in crystallography where a small number of atoms, ions, or molecules spontaneously arrange themselves into a pattern characteristic of a solid crystal. This occurs within the bulk of a medium, such as a liquid or vapor, through random movement and collisions of particles.12

This process is one of two types of nucleation, the other being heterogeneous nucleation, which relies on a foreign surface to initiate crystal formation. Homogeneous nucleation becomes more probable under conditions of high supersaturation or supercooling. Once this initial cluster forms, it serves as a site for additional particles to deposit, leading to crystal growth.12

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atmosphere
Condensation
…environment, is referred to as homogeneous nucleation. Air containing water vapour with a relative humidity greater than 100 percent, with respect to a flat surface, is referred to as being supersaturated. In the atmosphere, aerosols serve as initiation sites for the condensation or deposition of water vapour. Since their surfaces…
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…environment, is referred to as homogeneous nucleation. Air containing water vapour with a relative humidity greater than 100 percent, with respect to a flat surface, is referred to as being supersaturated. In the atmosphere, aerosols serve as initiation sites for the condensation or deposition of water vapour. Since their surfaces…
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nucleation
…are classed as heterogeneous or homogeneous. In the former, the surface of some different substance, such as a dust particle or the wall of the container, acts as the centre upon which the first atoms, ions, or molecules of the crystal become properly oriented; in the latter, a few particles…
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…are classed as heterogeneous or homogeneous. In the former, the surface of some different substance, such as a dust particle or the wall of the container, acts as the centre upon which the first atoms, ions, or molecules of the crystal become properly oriented; in the latter, a few particles…
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ice in lakes and rivers
Nucleation of ice crystals
Homogeneous nucleation (without the influence of foreign particles) occurs well below the freezing point, at temperatures that are not observed in water bodies. The temperature of heterogeneous nucleation (nucleation beginning at the surface of foreign particles) depends on the nature of the particles, but it…
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Homogeneous nucleation (without the influence of foreign particles) occurs well below the freezing point, at temperatures that are not observed in water bodies. The temperature of heterogeneous nucleation (nucleation beginning at the surface of foreign particles) depends on the nature of the particles, but it…
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climate
Snow and sleet
…directly from water vapour (homogeneous nucleation). The influence of the atmospheric water vapour depends mainly on its degree of supersaturation with respect to ice.
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…directly from water vapour (homogeneous nucleation). The influence of the atmospheric water vapour depends mainly on its degree of supersaturation with respect to ice.
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