Anchoring the Widom Line: Formal Verification of the 1.95°C Liquid-Liquid Transition in Ambient Water

Liquid water’s anomalous behavior remains a fundamental mystery in condensed matter physics. We provide a model-independent proof of water's underlying two-liquid nature, the transition between low-density (LDL) and high-density (HDL) structures, by performing a second-derivative analysis on the IAPWS-95 thermodynamic standard. We identify a definitive structural signature: a sharp inflection in the second derivative of the specific heat capacity ratio ($\gamma = C_P/C_V$) at $1.95^\circ\text{C}$. Formally verified through the Lean 4 interactive theorem prover, this $T_W$ anchor point demonstrates thermodynamic consistency, confirming the Widom line's extension into the stable liquid phase and providing a rigorous mathematical foundation for water’s structural anomalies.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-07-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21387144
Primary Topic
Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamics
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Anchoring the Widom Line: Formal Verification of the 1.95°C Liquid-Liquid Transition in Ambient Water

Jonathan ƒ(n) Reed
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamics
preprint

Anchoring the Widom Line: Formal Verification of the 1.95°C Liquid-Liquid Transition in Ambient Water

Jonathan ƒ(n) Reed
preprint en

Abstract

Liquid water’s anomalous behavior remains a fundamental mystery in condensed matter physics. We provide a model-independent proof of water's underlying two-liquid nature, the transition between low-density (LDL) and high-density (HDL) structures, by performing a second-derivative analysis on the IAPWS-95 thermodynamic standard. We identify a definitive structural signature: a sharp inflection in the second derivative of the specific heat capacity ratio ($\gamma = C_P/C_V$) at $1.95^\circ\text{C}$. Formally verified through the Lean 4 interactive theorem prover, this $T_W$ anchor point demonstrates thermodynamic consistency, confirming the Widom line's extension into the stable liquid phase and providing a rigorous mathematical foundation for water’s structural anomalies.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Clean water and sanitation
Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamics
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.