Infrared Absorption by Molecular Clusters in Water Vapor.
Abstract
The problem of infrared absorption by molecular clusters in water vapor has been investigated by parallel researches into four different aspects of the problem: (1) measurements of the infrared emission of steam and of steam-generated water vapor; (2) measurements of the electrical conductivity of moist air humidified by steam; (3) modeling of simple cluster configurations and comparison of theory with experimental data; and (4) a complete study of the thermodynamics of clustering up to the critical temperature of water. The results indicate that ions are important in the formation of ion hydrates or ion-induced, neutral water clusters, which are found in great numbers in water vapor and moist air. Populations of these clusters are present in peaked distributions, probably with mean sizes of about 10 molecules per cluster. They exist independently of homogeneous clusters like the water dimer, which may also be significant in atmospheric processes. Keywords: Infrared absorption, Electrical conductivity, Steam, Infrared emission, Water vapor, Ions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA189071
Entities
People
- Hugh R. Carlon
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center