The Forces Between a Hydrogen Molecule and a Hydrogen Atom

Abstract

The paper contains the results of calculations of (1) repulsive exchange forces, (2) attractive van der Waals forces between ${\mathrm{H}}^2$ and H atoms. The method used is that developed in an earlier communication. Results for small distances of separation differ considerably from published data on interaction energies deduced from collision cross sections. Reasons for the discrepancy are discussed. Figures 1 and 2 represent potential energy curves for the region around the van der Waals minimum; they exhibit the asymmetry of the interaction.