Coefficients of Viscosity and Thermal Conduction in Dense Gases and liquids

Abstract

THE coefficients of viscosity and thermal conduction in dense gases and liquids have never been deduced from the molecular point of view owing to the difficulties arising from the statistical treatment of the dense and disordered state. Since a general kinetic theory of liquids has been successfully formulated by Born and Green¹, it has been found possible to deduce these coefficients apart from constant factors. Each of them is seen to consist of two parts, one due to the thermal motion of the molecules and the other to molecular attraction. In every case the radial distribution function plays an important part. For dilute gases, the first part predominates, while for liquids the second part is by far the more important. The different behaviour of liquids and gases in respect to viscosity and thermal conduction can thus be accounted for.