Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets
Published on: May 15, 2017
Dependence of quasiliquid thickness on the liquid activity: a bulk thermodynamic theory of the interface
1Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA.
Abstract:
Studies of the phenomenon of quasiliquid formation span systems as diverse as noble gases, complex organic molecules, and metals, and span triple point temperatures from 25 to 933 K. We show that when viewed as a single phenomenon essentially all published measurements of the quasiliquid layer thickness on solids below the melting point can be plotted as a function of the thermodynamic activity. Two classes of behavior are then observed: one for molecular systems and one for atomic systems. We derive a dependence on activity through a grand canonical lattice gas calculation. This is the only such unifying theory of this phenomenon.
Related Concept Videos
Thermodynamics: Activity Coefficient
The activity coefficient is a measure of the deviation from ideal behavior. When the ionic strength of the solution is minimal, the activity coefficient of an ionic species is close to unity, making...
Theories of Dissolution: The Danckwerts' Model and Interfacial Barrier Model
Boundary Layer Characteristics
Adsorption Isotherms II
Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
Theories of Dissolution: Diffusion Layer Model
This process starts with a thin layer, saturated with the drug, forming at the interface between the solid and liquid. The solute then diffuses from this layer into the main solution. The Noyes-Whitney equation suggests that the rate of dissolution relies on the diffusion...
