86 



C. V. L. Charlier 



We now consider the second solution : 

 B) q ^ 48, 

 which gives 



P(m^ + wîo) = 0.887 X lO*', 



and 



■ (207) = 3.782 X 101" C. G. S., 



which value gives 



(207*) . /f^as : z'^:, = 1.470 X 102* 



Which of these solutions is to be accepted? 



To decide this question we may reason in the following way. 



If the kinetic theory of the gases is based on the law of Newton, it follows 

 that the relative orbits of the molecules at the passages are hyperbolas. If the gas 

 is condensed, this form of the orbits changes when a certain critical distance of 

 the molecules is reached. We may suppose this to happen when the body passes 

 over to a fluid state. The relative orbits are then pamfeo/ö^. 



This takes place (according to the energy integral in the problems of two 

 bodies) when the distance r has such a value R as is given by the equation 



"r-^- 



The two values for /cgas give: 



A) (for q = 0.070) 



R = 9.016 X 10-» cm., 



B) (for g = 48) 



R = 0.618 X 10-" cm. 



It is contended in molecular physics that the distance between the .molecules 

 of a fluid (or solid) body is of the order of magnitude: 



10~* cm. 



The solution A) seems to agree best with this result. We conclude that the 



molecular constant of attraction has the value 



Ä;gas= 10 CG. S. 

 = 6 X 10^2 



times the planetary constant of attraction. 



Whether this theory also accounts for other qualities of the gases found by 

 the experiments is a question which cannot be discussed here. 



