critical point

• Punto o etapa decisiva en un proceso, situación o sistema donde ocurre un cambio significativo o se define el resultado; también se usa en matemáticas y física para referirse a un estado concreto en el que cambian las propiedades de un sistema.

A crucial or decisive stage in a process, situation, or system where a significant change or outcome occurs; also used in mathematics and physics to refer to a specific condition where properties of a system change.

1. Phase transition pointC1formal

   The specific temperature and pressure at which the properties of a substance's liquid and gas phases become identical, marking the end of the phase boundary.

   Punto crítico

   • Water reaches its critical point at 374°C and 218 atm.
   • Above the critical point, the substance becomes a supercritical fluid.
   • The experiment measured the critical point of carbon dioxide.

2. Crucial moment or junctureB2formal

   A decisive or pivotal moment in a process, event, or situation where a significant change or decision is required.

   punto crítico

   • The negotiations reached a critical point when both sides refused to compromise.
   • The patient's condition is at a critical point.
   • The project is at a critical point; one mistake could ruin everything.