CONDENSATION ON SOLUBLE NUCLEI IN THE REGION OF THEIR PARTIAL DISSOLUTION

A formulation is given for the condition that vapor condensation on soluble nuclei takes place without a barrier in the region of partial dissolution of nuclei at all chemical potentials of the vapor at which condensation takes place without a barrier in the region of complete dissolution of the nuclei. A limitation from below, sufficient for the fulfillment of the formulated condition, on the solubility of the nucleus was found in cases of molecular as well as micellar nonionic or ionic solution in the drop being formed. This limitation is shown to actually take place when the size of the condensation nuclei that is necessary for the applicability of the limitation and at the same time is of the greatest practical interest is so large that condensation is possible at low vapor saturations. The limitation obtained is of a universal nature not related to specific interpretations of disjoining-pressure isotherms and mechanisms of wetting of the condensation nucleus.