Resonant dissociation of N2by electron impact

An electron impact process leading to the dissociation of molecular nitrogen through the intermediate formation of a temporary negative ion is described. The process is observed by detection of a narrow band of slow electrons ejected from N - ( 3 P). The cross section for dissociation has a vertical onset just above the dissociation limit of N 2 and reaches a peak value of 2.5*10 -18 cm 2 +or-50%.