A Theory Of Helium II

Abstract

In this paper, a new possible explanation of the properties of helium II is developed. The basis of the argument is that, due to the internal cohesion of a fluid, potential energy resides within the repulsive field of the atoms. This potential energy will tend to appear as kinetic energy if the fluid expands, but, under its own vapour pressure, the sum of the potential and kinetic energies will be a constant in the system and be intrinsic to it. Arguments based on this conception lead to an understanding of many of the peculiarities of helium II and also to a simple expression for the velocity of the "second sound wave".