Problem 1.4:
The intermolecular potential of methane is given by the following equation:
with a = 2.05482 × 10-21 J, σ = 3.786 Å, and r is the distance between molecules (in Å).
a) Make a plot of this potential in the range r = 3 Å to 10 Å.
b) Calculate the distance r* (in Å) where the potential has a minimum.
c) Estimate the density of liquid methane based on this potential.
Find the density of liquid methane in a handbook and compare your answer to the tabulated value.
Problem 1.5:
a) Estimate the mean distance between molecules in liquid water. Assume for simplicity that molecules sit on a regular square lattice.
b) Repeat for steam at 1 bar, 200 °C (density 4.6 × 10-4 g/cm3). Report the results in Å.