Cohesion: A Scientific History of Intermolecular ForcesWhy does matter stick together? Why do gases condense to liquids, and liquids to solids? This book provides a detailed historical account of how some of the leading scientists of the past three centuries have tried to answer these questions. The topic of cohesion and the study of intermolecular forces has been an important component of physical science research for hundreds of years. This book is organised into four broad periods of advances in our understanding. The first three are associated with Newton, Laplace and van der Waals. The final section gives an account of the successful use in the twentieth century of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics to resolve most of the remaining problems. The book will be of primary interest to physical chemists and physicists, as well as historians of science interested in the historical origins of our modern day understanding of cohesion. |
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19th century Acad argon atoms attractive forces bodies Boltzmann Boyle’s law calculation Cambridge capillary Cauchy chap chemical chemistry Clairaut Clausius constant crystal density diameter dipole distance edition elasticity electrical energy equation experimental experiments field fluid function gravitational Hauksbee heat hydrogen ibid integral interaction intermolecular forces inverse inverse-square law J.L. Heilbron Joule Keill kinetic theory Laplace Laplace's Laplacian later lattice lectures Leiden Lennard-Jones liquid London mathematical matter Maxwell measure molecular molecules motion natural Navier Newton Newtonian pair paper Paris particles Phil philosophy Phys physicists physics physique Pogg Poisson pressure problem properties quantal range ratio reprinted repulsive force second virial coefficient separation solid spheres spherical statistical mechanics structure surface tension temperature term theoretical theory of gases thermodynamics Thomson Trans translation tube van der Waals vapour virial coefficient viscosity vols volume Waals Waals's Young zero