Dynamical model for the “translational excitation features” in the atom—diatom reaction cross section

A collision model for the kinetic energy dependence of the reaction cross section has been obtained by considering total angular momentum limitation at the entrance (reactants) or exit (products) reactive channel in the atom—diatom scheme. The model provides a satisfactory representation of the main “translational cross section features” (i.e., Arrhenius like behaviour near threshold, maximum, post-maximum decline and minimum) found in the reaction cross section by molecular beam experiments. Maximum and minimum explanations, including some predictions as well as a comparison with previous theoretical treatments are reported. Also an approximate method to obtain dissociation energies of the product diatom from the cross-section data is presented with relative success.