Neon–methane and argon–methane isotropic interaction potentials from total differential cross sections

Abstract

Total differential cross sections have been measured at three collision energies each for Ne–CH4 and Ar–CH4 using the crossed molecular beams technique. The differential cross sections were used along with literature viscosity and second virial coefficient data to determine reliable isotropic interaction potentials. The Ne–CH4 potential has a well depth of 66±4 K and an intermolecular separation of 3.68±0.02 Å at the minimum while the Ar–CH4 potential has a well depth of 170±8 K and an intermolecular separation of 3.85±0.04 Å at the minimum.