Abstract
Rigorously speaking, entropy is slightly non-extensive, and this non-extensiveness, which characterizes the degree of fluctuations, can contribute to effective interactions between mesoscopic objects. In this paper, we consider a pair of macroions, each accompanied by 1000 counterions, and with a cell-model description we demonstrate that the slow variation of non-extensiveness in counterion entropy over macroionic distance leads to an effective long-range attraction between the macroions. With the aid of Monte Carlo simulation and a Bragg-Williams theory including counterion number fluctuations, we find the depth of attraction in free energy to be approximately 0.2k(B)T. The observation in our cell-model study provides an insight for further understanding of effective interactions in real macroionic systems.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
