The Radial Distribution Function in Liquids

Abstract

In accordance with the general methods of an earlier paper (reference 1) an integral equation is evolved for the radial distribution function for pairs in a liquid, and an approximate solution is effected for a system of ``hard spheres.'' The form of the function depends on a single parameter λ which can be related to certain observed physical properties of the liquid and to the diameter of closest approach. The theoretical function has been calculated for a value of λ appropriate to liquid argon at 90°K, and compared to experimental radial distribution functions derived from x-ray scattering data.