Theory of Molecular Collisions

Almost 100 years have passed since Trautz and Lewis put forward their theories on collision theory. Today, knowledge of molecular collisions is a key part of predicting and understanding chemical reactions. This book begins by presenting the various observable aspects of scattering processes; their relationship to other aspects, such as reaction rate constants; and the experimental methods to determine them. The quantum theory of elastic scattering is also described, along with the semi-classical theories associated with it. Reactive scattering, in terms of classical and quantum mechanics, is presented later. Written with postgraduates and newcomers to the field in mind, mathematics to a minimum and readers are guided to appendices and further reading to gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics involved.

Gabriel G. Balint-Kurti is Professor of Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Bristol. Alexander P. Palov is Senior Researcher and Lecturer in plasma physics and chemistry at Moscow State University.