On the Nature of the Ions in Air

Production and ageing of the initial positive ion in dried air and nitrogen. Effect of water vapor.—Results are given showing the production and ageing of the initial positive ion in dried air and dried nitrogen. Results are also given showing that when the final positive air ion of mobility 1.36 is passed into moist air the final ions disappear and a swifter 1.87 ion appears. Results are also given showing that these in turn change back into a 1.36 ion. The interpretation given of the above is that a neutral ${\mathrm{H}}_2$O molecule gives up an electron to the final 1.36 two molecule positive ion thus giving a one molecule positive ion which has a higher mobility. This ${\mathrm{H}}_2$ ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ ion ages by attaching itself to another molecule forming a slower 1.36 ion. The article closes with a statement of the reasons for the author's view that the initial and final positive ions are respectively one and two molecules large.