Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 October 2008
The physical significance of the parameters which appear in the combinatory factors g(Ni) and g(Ni, Xij) in the statistical mechanics of mixtures is examined. Hitherto, closed ring molecules have been excluded from the jurisdiction of the formulae for these combinatory factors. The means by which this restriction on the validity of the formulae can be removed is indicated. It is concluded that the equations given by Guggenheim are formally applicable in all cases provided that appropriate values, which differ according as the molecules are simple and branched chain or closed ring molecules, are substituted for certain parameters which occur in the equations.