Flickering Cluster Theory

The Flickering Cluster Theory is based on the idea that the liquid state can be considered to be a combination of the solid state and the gas state. In this concept, the solid phase particles, called short-range crystals, are suspended in a cloud of independent gas phase units of material.

The Boltzmann Distribution is a mathematical concept that describes the relationship between the kinetic energy of the particles in a system and the number of occurances of particles with specific kinetic energy values.

According to the Boltzmann Distribution, every system can be described as having high velocity particles and low velocity particles all present at the same time. As a result of the random collisions of the particles within the system, the kinetic energy is always being rearranged. Therefore, particles are in continually exchange between high velocity and low velocity. If the primary difference between the states of matter is the velocity of the particles, then it is logical to imagine that a liquid could consist of solids and gases. Also, because of the continually exchange of velocity, solid particles can become gas particles, and gas particles can become solid particles.

A sample of gas is represented as a series of small blocks of solid state material, suspended in a cloud of gas phase. The flickering cluster idea refers to the solid state ever changing its size and shape. This is a result of random collisions with gas phase units. Some slow moving units will collide with the clusters and become part of them. Some fast moving gas phase units will collide with clusters and knock pieces off of them. Thus, they are "flickering", or changing their appearances.

One of the most obvious aspects of liquids is their abilities to pour, or their fluidity. Have you ever observed a solid state substance that could pour? If you have ever played with beach sand, then you have probably referred to pouring it out of a bucket. Notice that this is a situation in which solid particles are being poured. The process is allowed to take place because the grains of sand can "flow" over each other. They are not stuck together. Possibly a liquid is much like the solid sand, but even more so. If the crystals of solid are isolated from each other by the low friction gas phase, then the concept of pouring becomes even more noticeable. So, yes, it is possible to pour a solid. There are only two requirements for the theory to work. The solid particles must be quite small They must not be attached to each other. The flickering cluster theory takes both of these ideas to the extreme.

In order to better understand the Flickering Cluster description, it is also useful to view it as an equilibrium system. The next page will explain the equilibrium concept.

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Updated September 1, 2000