HOLE MECHANISM OF THE TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENCE OF THE VOLUME OF A LIQUID AND THE SOUND-VELOCITY IN IT

It is shown that a simple hole model based on the hypothesis of topological short-range order in a liquid can be used to describe the temperature variations of the volume, sound velocity, heat of vaporization, and heat capacity of liquids. Estimates of the hole activation energy [approximately (2-4)k(B)T(cr)] and density of holes near the triple point (approximately 3 %) and near the critical point (approximately 50%) are obtained on the basis of existing experimental data. The scenario of the transition from the critical to the gaseous state through the liquid state is discussed.