Mohanty, Pritam K.Pritam K.MohantyBarbhuiya, Noman HanifNoman HanifBarbhuiyaProf. B. Prasanna VenkateshHolmes-Cerfon, MirandaMirandaHolmes-CerfonMishra, Chandan K.Chandan K.Mishra2026-03-182026-03-182026-03-0110.1103/6k1d-d16p2-s2.0-105032367031https://repository.iitgn.ac.in/handle/IITG2025/34859We use video microscopy to investigate transition kinetics among distinct topological states in four-particle colloidal clusters with short-range interactions. While steady-state distributions are captured solely by net free energy differences, observed transition rates are not. By introducing activation barriers proportional to topological changes between states, we construct a minimal thermodynamic framework that explains both transition rates and equilibrium distributions, with predictive capabilities across a range of interaction strengths. These findings have broad implications for evolutionary dynamics, protein folding, and self-assembly.falseArticle24700053March 20260L033403arArticle