ABSOLUTE YIELDS IN THE γ-RADIOLYSIS OF GASES

Absolute yields of hydrogen from the γ-radiolysis of hydrocarbon gases have been obtained by relating the hydrogen produced to saturation ion currents measured in the radiolysis vessel. Values for [Formula: see text] of 1.28, 1.20, 6.25, 5.40, and 5.00 have been estimated for ethylene, propylene, propane, n-butane, and isobutane respectively. These values are consistently lower than those obtained previously with α-rays, and this is discussed as an effect of radiation quality. Arguments are advanced for the use of M/N, the yield per ion pair, rather than G, as a measure of yields in the radiolysis of gases.