ABSTRACT
A body of substance is generally made of a large number of molecules bound together by intermolecular forces. Under external influence (such as gravitational forces, electromagnetic forces, heat, etc.), these molecules will redistribute themselves to reach a state of equilibrium. This redistribution generally results in a deformation of the body which involves changes in the position and shape of the body. In principle, it is possible to determine this redistribution of molecular units by the laws of mechanics, electromagnetics, and thermodynamics. However, interaction among a large number of molecules is too complex for a detailed analysis of the activity and the final equilibrium position of individual molecules.
