Diffraction of X Rays by Liquid Neon

X-ray diffraction patterns obtained from liquid neon at six conditions of temperature and pressure ranging from the triple point to the critical point were used to calculate the corresponding radial atomic distribution functions. Areas and locations of the first peaks in the distribution curves varied from 8.4 atoms at 3.18 A near the triple point, to 4.3 atoms at 3.26 A near the critical point. Experimental intensity patterns for temperatures nearest the triple and critical points were compared with intensity patterns calculated by the method used by Fournet. Small-angle scattering patterns obtained at 15 conditions of temperature and pressure near the critical point were used to calculate corresponding radii of gyration and characteristic functions.