VI. The neighbour distribution function in monatomic liquids and dense gases

Abstract A formula is given for the neighbour distribution function in liquids and dense gases, assuming that each atom is vibrating in the field of its neighbours when in their equilibrium positions. It is shown that a parabolic potential leads to a simple result. Applying this to potassium, we find a structure which bears some resemblance to a body-centred cubic. Finally we show how interatomic fields may be derived from the distribution function of a single shell of neighbours, when this has been determined from experiment.