Master equation studies of collisional excitation and dissociation of H{sub 2} molecules by H atoms
- Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H8 (Canada)
- Institute of Astronomy, The Observatories, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OHA (England)
- Programme in Chemistry, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 (Canada)
The master equation for collisional excitation of H{sub 2} by H atoms is solved over a temperature range of {ital T}=450{endash}45,000 K and a density range of {ital n}{sub H}=10{sup {minus}3}{endash}10{sup 9} cm{sup {minus}3}. Radiative transitions due to quadrupole emission and dissociative tunneling are included explicitly. The resulting nonequilibrium steady state populations of the ({ital v},{ital j}) states of H{sub 2} are determined and then used to calculate the rate coefficients for ortho-para interconversion, collisional dissociation, dissociative tunneling, and cooling. The density and temperature dependences of these rates are discussed and parameterized. Comparisons with previous estimates are made. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Astronomical Society.}
- OSTI ID:
- 284641
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 461; ISSN ASJOAB; ISSN 0004-637X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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