Atomic Radial Distributions and Ion-Ion Potential in Liquid Gallium

Abstract

The atomic radial distributions for liquid gallium at 50 and 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C have been derived from the measured neutron-diffraction intensity patterns. In this study the fundamental equation of the Percus---Yevick (PY) theory of liquids has been set out in a simple form suitable for the direct exploitation of neutron-diffraction data. Equivalent forms of the (PY) equation have been obtained. An approximate form of the ion-ion interaction in liquid gallium at 50 and 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C has been derived. Analogies in the atomic short-range order have been found between the liquid phase and the solid metastable phase $\ensuremath{\beta}$. These analogies are stressed by the changes in the density and in the resistivity of the metastable phase $\ensuremath{\beta}$ at melting point; the behavior displayed is common to the majority of metals.