Statistical Interpretation for Abnormal Rotation of OH* Split from H2O2 by Electron Impact

Abstract
The angular momentum distribution of OH* split from H2O2 by electron impact or ultraviolet irradiation is quite abnormal in appearance. A statistical interpretation is presented of the relative population of the excited rotational levels of OH* in the dissociation process of H2O2 into two hydroxyl radicals. The phase volume is calculated under the constraints of the conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum by the method using delta and step functions. A discrepancy which takes place beyond K=24 between the calculated curve and the observational plots is attributed to the predissociation of OH*.