Resolution of the Translation—Rotation Paradox in the Theory of Irreversible Condensation

Abstract

In this paper it is shown that the Lothe and Pound correction to nucleation theory based upon the introduction of translational and rotational partition functions for individual drops does not arise. The error originates in the improper assumption that the free energy assigned to a drop, in the conventional theory of nucleation, corresponds to that for a drop whose center of mass is stationary.