Kinetic energy distributions from unimolecular decay: Predictions of the Langevin model

Abstract

The kinetic energy released in a unimolecular decomposition is examined within the framework of quasiequilibrium theory. It is assumed that the motion is governed by the long-range forces between the separating moieties. Explicit formulas are obtained for cases where the total angular momentum is either very low or very high. Comparison with experiment and with other formulations is made.