Oscillation, Rotation, and Spin Relaxation in NO

Abstract

The sound absorption and velocity of NO gas at 293°K was measured from f/p=5×104 to 107 cps/atmos using an ultrasonic pulse method. A maximum of the absorption at 4×105 cps/atmos is ascribed to the relaxation of the oscillational degree of freedom. (τosc=4×10—7 sec at 1 atmos.) According to the absorption at high f/p values, τspin≈4τrot (=2.5·10—9 sec at 1 atmos) seems probable. The result is compared to the corresponding data of O2 and N2.