Theoretical calculation of electrical resistivity in liquid sodium and potassium

Abstract As a direct numerical test of Ziman formula for the static resistivity of monovalent liquid metals, constant pressure resistivities of liquid potassium at 338 K and 408 K and liquid sodium at 373 K and 473 K have been calculated using a recently proposed form factor and a liquid structure factor obtained from Monte Carlo calculations. The procedure is fundamental in that no parameters have been adjusted to fit experimental values at any stage. The resistivity results are in good agreement with experiment at the above mentioned temperatures, but it appears that the formula may become less accurate at higher temperatures.