Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Toward a statistical mechanical theory for water: analytical theory for a short-ranged reference system
1E. Hála Laboratory of Thermodynamics, ICPF, Acad. Sci., 165 02 Prague 6-Suchdol, Czech Republic.
This study develops a new model for water based on short-range interactions, accurately reproducing its unique structural and thermodynamic properties, including density anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Associating fluid properties are mainly driven by short-range interactions.
- Accurate modeling of water's unique thermodynamic behavior is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a statistical mechanical model for water (TIP4P) focusing on short-range interactions.
- To derive an analytic expression for the Helmholtz free energy of the reference system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized statistical mechanical approaches.
- Employed thermodynamic perturbation theory for the TIP4P water model.
- Focused on a short-range reference system.
Main Results:
- Derived an analytic expression for the Helmholtz free energy.
- The model accurately represents water's structure.
- Successfully reproduced key anomalous properties: density maximum temperature and its pressure dependence, including high-pressure inflection points.
- Captured temperature minima for heat capacity and isothermal compressibility.
Conclusions:
- Short-range interactions are sufficient to describe essential water properties.
- The developed model provides a faithful representation of water's structure and anomalous thermodynamics.
Related Concept Videos
The Van der Waals Equation
Van der Waals Equation
First, the attractive forces between molecules, which are stronger at higher densities and reduce the pressure, are considered by adding to the pressure a term equal to the square of the molar density multiplied by a positive coefficient a. Second, the volume...
Entropy
Basic Postulates of Kinetic Molecular Theory: Particle Size, Energy, and Collision
Real Gases: Effects of Intermolecular Forces and Molecular Volume Deriving Van der Waals Equation
Control Volume and System Representations
The control volume approach considers a stationary region in space through which fluid flows. This region is bounded by a control surface. For instance, in the case of water flowing...
