ACTION OF HIGH SPEED ELECTRONS ON METHANE, OXYGEN AND CARBON MONOXIDE

Abstract

This paper deals with the action of cathode rays on gases and gas mixtures. Methane, methane-oxygen mixtures, carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide-oxygen mixtures were examined. Methane gave small percentages of hydrogen and ethane. Methane and oxygen mixtures gave as gaseous products, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, the only other products being water and formic acid. The relative proportions of the products do not vary widely under a wide variation of conditions.The reaction was found to be of the first order with respect to pressure. The reaction rate increases linearly with the voltage up to a certain value, after which it becomes nearly independent of the voltage.The action of cathode rays on carbon monoxide produces carbon dioxide and a solid brown suboxide which is extremely soluble in water, and its composition corresponds to a formula (C₃O)n. If the carbon monoxide is moist, no visible amount of solid or liquid is found and there is less carbon dioxide.Carbon monoxide-oxygen mixtures under the action of cathode rays form carbon dioxide. Presence of water vapor has a retarding effect on the reaction. For mixtures of the same composition the reaction rate is proportional to the total pressure. For dry mixtures the product increases with the carbon monoxide present; when moist it is much less, and independent of the carbon monoxide.