The inquiry of liquids and glass transition by heat capacity

Reconsidering the intrinsic connection between simple liquids and the glass transition, we attempt to understand them with an explicit liquid model. Liquids are defined to the mixture composed of tiny particles restricted in non-identical potential energy wells, where translational motions of tiny particles in statistical equilibrium, as well as vibrations and rotations, are distinguished. The liquid model offers an opportunity to build up a quantitative correlation between heat capacity and the basic motions appearing in liquids. Agreements between theoretical prediction and experimental data on heat capacities of typical simple liquids are reached. A serial of experimental data confirm that the glass transition originates from the falling out-of-equilibrium of the translational motions in liquids. The work might provide a novel and intuitive way to uncover a shady corner of the mysterious liquids and the glass transition. Copyright 2012 Author(s). This article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4773224]