An Introduction to the Liquid State

Book excerpt: An Introduction to the Liquid State focuses on the atomic motions and positions of liquids. Particularly given importance in this book are internal motion of molecules as a whole and the motion of atoms in a monatomic liquid. Divided into 16 chapters, the book opens by outlining the general properties of liquids, including a comparison of liquid argon and liquid sodium, discussions on theories and methods of studying the liquid state, and thermodynamic relationships. The book proceeds by defining the molecular distribution functions and equation of state, the potential function for non-conducting liquids and metals, and measurement of pair distribution function. Numerical analyses and representations are provided to simplify the functions of equations. The book discusses equilibrium properties wherein calculations on the state of gases and fluids are presented. The text also underlines space and time dependent correlation functions. Given emphasis in this part are neutron scattering, electromagnetic radiation, and various radiation scattering techniques. Other concerns discussed are diffusion and single particle motion, velocity of correlation function, diffusion and viscosity coefficients, liquid-gas critical point, and a comparison of classical and quantum liquids. The selection is a valuable source of information for readers wanting to study the composition and reactions of liquids.