Analysis of applicability of translational-factor approximations to calculation of vibrational exchange rate constants in the N2–O2 system under low-pressure discharge conditions

Abstract

Level-to-level rate constants of single-photon vibration–translation and vibration–vibration exchange have been calculated for the N₂–O₂ system in the temperature range of 300–800 K in terms of the generalized Schwartz–Slawsky–Herzfeld theory using exact relationships and the most commonly used approximations. It has been shown that the quality of the approximation is improved with an increase in temperature and deteriorates with an increase in the vibrational quantum number. The calculated distributions of vibrationally excited species over levels for the low-pressure glow-discharge conditions substantially depend on the rate constants used in the calculation, especially in the area of high vibrational levels.