Critical Indices ν and γ Experimentally Obtained at the Liquid–Vapor Critical Point in Fluid Hg

Abstract

The critical indices ν and γ near the liquid–vapor critical point in fluid Hg were obtained by small-angle X-ray scattering measurements at high temperatures and high pressures. Although both critical indices determined by the least-squares fitting technique are consistent with values predicted by the mean field theory, the result indicates a possibility that fluid Hg belongs to the 3D Ising universality class when the accuracy of experimental data is considered. This result suggests that insulating fluid Hg behaves like a van der Waals fluid.