Re: CONSERVATION OF ENERGY

[brian whatcott <inet@intellisys.net>]

At 11:22 7/24/97 -0800, John M wrote quite an essay, of which I quote
a puzzling trifle below:

> Finally, during the process [of workless expansion of a gas ]
> the molecules have also on average 
> receded from each other against an attractive intermolecular force.  
> Thus, a negative "internal work" (or "relative internal work") has 
> been done increasing Pi and, necessarily, decreasing Ki.
> ...
> (Is anyone still here?)
>
> John

I want to read this as 'molecules recede from each other impelled by 
a repulsive intermolecular force [called electric repulsion]...
....thus a positive "internal work" contribution has been done raising
 Pi from its earlier more negative value'.

So would John or anyone else explain why molecules of gas are mutually 
attracted and thereby set me straight?

Thanks
brian whatcott <inet@intellisys.net>
Altus OK