A theorem for the distribution functions of hard-sphere fluids

The thermal diffusion factor α_T for the gas mixtures N₂-CO₂, Ar-CO and Ar-NO has been measured as functions of temperature and composition by the two-bulb method. As at least one of the components of the mixture is diatomic or triatomic the thermal diffusion factor is likely to be influenced by inelastic collision. The α_T data have been analysed in terms of the available elastic and inelastic theories. The results show the comparatively small effect of inelastic collision on thermal diffusion. The necessity of using more realistic intermolecular potentials to interpret α_T data has been pointed out.