Interatomic forces and gas theory from newton to Lennard-Jones

Abstract

A recurrent theme in the physical science of the past three centuries has been provided by the program attributed to Isaac Newton: from the phenomena of nature to find the forces between particles of matter, and from these forces to explain and predict other phenomena. The success or failure of this program as a guide for scientific research can be assessed by considering some of the cases in which it has been applied: Newton's own theory of gas pressure, the Boscovich theory of interatomic forces, the Laplace theory (short-range attractive forces and long-range repulsive forces), the billiard-ball model used in the elementary kinetic theory of gases, the Maxwellr−5 repulsive force, and the van der Waals equation. A more detailed examination is presented of the rise and fall of the “Lennard-Jones potential” in relation to calculations and experimental data on virial coefficients and transport properties of gases, solid state properties, and the quantum theory of interatomic forces.