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Abstract

The formation of O₂(a) by the recombination of o-atoms was studied in a discharge-flow system. The rate of formation of O₂(a) by the homogeneous recombination of O-atoms in the absence of O₂ was found to be second-order in [O] and first-order in [M]. When O₂ was added the rate of formation increased linearly with increasing [O₂]. The following mechanism was presented as being the simplest which is consistent with the data: [See Thesis for Equations] where, "f" represents the fractional yield of the specified O₂ product in the reactions, and M is mainly N₂. Analysis of the experimental data in terms of this mechanism gave the following results: [See Thesis for Equations] This mechanism is consistent with the O₂ (a) nightglow and with the experimental data when the following conditions are satisfied: a) k₂/k₃ = 0.12 b) f₃/f₂ = 8.5 c) f₁/f₃ = 0.6 The yield of O₂(a) by O-atom recombination on glass wool, with a surface recombination coefficient of 6(+/-1)x10⁻⁵, was found to be 0.08(+/-0.02).