Abstract
The aim of statistical mechanics at the present time is the exploration and explanation of the dependence of the gross properties of matter in bulk, whether in equilibrium or nonequilibrium, on the properties of the atoms and molecules of which all matter is composed. Macroscopic matter can exist in three stable forms, or phases, that is, solid, liquid, and gas. This chapter discusses the methods of statistical mechanics in their application to liquids and dense gases, collectively called dense fluids. Although the main concern is with liquid densities, it is necessary to make restricted reference to gases at lower densities. For this purpose, all the necessary macroscopic and microscopic fluid properties are known to sufficient accuracy. The various necessary macroscopic properties can be determined experimentally under appropriate conditions. Once the link between the macroscopic and microscopic worlds is properly established, this link itself becomes available as a method of exploring the microscopic features and also can be expected to suggest further experiments of value in connection with the exploration.
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