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The adsorption probability for NO/Pt(111) is highest for an initial orientation with the N end of the molecule towards the surface. This steric effect in the adsorption brings about a large averaged steric effect in the direct scattering, which is amplified by the fact that the adsorption probability is very high. In case of direct scattering an N-end collision results in a smaller reflection angle than an O-end collision.
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Kuipers et al. (1989) studied this question.
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