Quenching of N(2D) by O(3P)

Abstract

A definitive measurement of the rate coefficient for the quenching of N(²D) by O(³P) is reported. The O(³P) atoms were generated by titrating NO directly into the active nitrogen flow. Analysis of the results required that the rate coefficient for the reaction N(²D)+NO→N₂+O be known accurately, and this was also determined. A finite mixing time correction is also necessary. The best estimate of the rate coefficient from this work is (6.9+0.7, −1.1)×10⁻¹³ cm³ s⁻¹ at T=298 K, considerably smaller than a previous measurement [J. Phys. Chem. 9 2, 5977 (1988)] and in much better accord with values required by atmospheric models.