An Elementary Theory of Condensation

Abstract

A theory of liquids is presented based on the assumption of the presence of holes in a lattice-like structure and using a method analogous to that used in treating order and disorder in alloys. This treatment provides an elementary theory of condensation and a clear and simple treatment of the critical phenomena of liquids and also yields a theoretical curve for the density of vapor and liquid as a function of temperature in agreement with the experimental curve. The existence of more than one phase arises as a consequence of the theory.