The Theoretical Treatment of Chemical Reactions Produced by Ionization Processes Part I. The Ortho-Para Hydrogen Conversion by Alpha-Particles

Abstract

The possible individual processes that may occur in a gaseous system under irradiation from alpha-particles have been examined from the theoretical standpoint. The ionization, clustering and the fate of the ions have been studied. The ortho-para hydrogen conversion under the influence of alpha-particles has been chosen as an example with which to illustrate the method of treatment. Recent experimental data by Capron have been analyzed to confirm his conclusion that atomic hydrogen is responsible for the large ratio of molecules converted to ions produced (M/N = (700 to 1000)/1). It is also shown that clustering is unimportant in this case and that the paramagnetism of the ions is of negligible importance in producing the spin-isomerization. The role of mercury atoms in removing atomic hydrogen from the system is found to be negligible. Removal of atoms by three body collision of two atoms with molecular hydrogen is slow compared with removal at the walls of the reaction vessel. Analysis of this latter process shows excellent agreement with the experimental data on the conversion efficiency of the system.