Effect of Varying the Transition State Geometry on N + N₂ Vibrational Deexcitation Rate Coefficients

The dependence of the transition state on the vibrational deexcitation in the N + N 2 reaction has been investigated by using different largest angle generalized rotating bond order (LAGROBO) model potentials. Using the LAGROBO functional representation of the interaction, it has been possible to vary both the angle and bond length values at the saddle for reaction. Quasiclassical and quantum infinite order sudden values of detailed cross sections and rate coefficients calculated on these modified surfaces for the N + N 2 reaction indicate that relative efficiencies of processes occurring in N 2 nonequilibrium systems ( e . g . plasmas) are rather sensitive to the geometrical characteristics of the transition state.