Abstract
view Abstract Citations (260) References (49) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Molecule Formation on Interstellar Grains Watson, W. D. ; Salpeter, E. E. Abstract Processes relevant to the formation of molecules (except H2) on the surface of interstellar dust-grains in H I regions are discussed. The sticking probability for heavy (C, N, 0, etc.) atoms hitting a grain is close to unity (but is uncertain for C+ ions). Whether or not chemisorption or quantum-mechanical diffusion is possible, each heavy atom remains on a grain surface long enough for another particle to stick and react with it. A particle that sticks will form some molecule with almost complete efficiency, mainly CH to CH4, NH to NH3, OH or H10, etc. Some of the unreactive products (CH4, NH3, H20, H1CO, etc.) remain on the grain and form more complex molecules (in a reaction with an excited radical or after activation by absorption of an ultraviolet photon). Steady thermal evaporation is insufficient to eject the molecules that remain on the surface after reactions and nonequilibrium mechanisms are considered. Photons (1000-2000 A) from unshielded interstellar starlight eject a physically adsorbed molecule in l0 s Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1972 DOI: 10.1086/151492 Bibcode: 1972ApJ...174..321W full text sources ADS |
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