Total cross section measurements for the scattering of argon by aliphatic hydrocarbons

Absolute values of total cross sections have been determined for the scattering of a monoenergetic molecular beam of argon by 30 aliphatic hydrocarbons. Included are the normal paraffins, cycloparaffins, olefins, and acetylenes with from one to eight carbon atoms. Also included are two diolefins and three butene isomers. Values are reported for the cross section at a relative velocity of 555 m/s. The van der Waals coefficients from the experimental data generally are within a few percent of those calculated by the Slater–Kirkwood approximation.