One-dimensional model of a fluid of charged particles

Abstract

Particle distribution functions are calculated for a one-dimensional model of a fused salt composed of particles interacting with a short-range hard potential and a long-range “signed” potential. The long-range part corresponds to that appropriate to a set of alternately charged sheets arranged normal to an axis and it obeys a one-dimensional Poisson equation. A number of thermodynamic quantities are found as functions of particle and charge densities. The part of the mean force associated with the long-range potential is calculated and used to obtain the screening factor as a function of charge density, particle density and interparticle distance. In a system of particle density 1.25, the screening reduces the direct force due to the charge to a few per cent of its value in a low-density system.