Statistical energy partitioning in dissociation to several products

Energy partitioning in dissociation of a highly energized molecules or ion to several fragments is discussed in the framework of the statistical theory. Linear momentum conservation is incorporated and the microcanonical distribution function is replaced by the canonical one. This yields the momentum and internal state probability distribution functions of the fragments which in turn provides a simple relation for the average kinetic energy of each fragment for the case of a simultaneous dissociation to several products. The resulting average kinetic energies are compared with those of a sequential dissociation to the same final products. Significant differences are noted which makes it possible to distinguish experimentally between sequential and simultaneous dissociation.