Nonequilibrium time dependent theory of hot atom reactions. III. Comparison with Estrup–Wolfgang theory

Time dependent solutions of the Boltzmann equation for a hot atom speed distribution function are obtained with a new discrete ordinate method of solution. The hot yields that are calculated for a model system agree to within approximately 20% with the Estrup–Wolfgang theory provided the reactivity is not too large. Although no steady state sets in before reaction occurs, the justification for the use of a time independent collision density function is given in terms of a time averaged distribution function.