Question

(a) Define the radial distribution function g(r) for a monatomic liquid. Then sketch it, with the x-axis in units of the atomic diameter σ, at two temperatures, T1 and T2, with T1 < T2. (b) Classically, the heat capacity of a chain of N 1-dimensional harmonic oscillators equals N k, i.e., it is temperature independent. Explain qualitatively why the heat capacity should decrease as T goes to 0 K.

Answer 1