Dissociation Energy and Vibrational Terms of Ground-State (X 1Σg+) Hydrogen

Abstract

In an attempt to elucidate the discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental dissociation energies of H2, accurate binding energies and term differences have been computed for the 15 vibrational levels using the Kolos and Wolniewicz clamped-nuclei potential with its various corrections. The results suggest possible interpretations of the discrepancy. In one of these an extrapolation method is introduced which combines experimental term differences with computed binding energies for the uppermost levels to yield the dissociation energy; this result is in accord with the experimental value of Herzberg and Monfils. The effect of uncertainties in the values of the natural constants is considered. Apparent inconsistencies between previously computed vibrational energies are explained.