Theory of Atomic Collisions

Abstract

In this article we shall discuss the methods available for the calculation of the rates of atomic collision processes. We shall exclude from consideration any methods which are of specific application to nuclear or high energy collisions as these are discussed in Vols. XXXIX, XL, XLI and XLIII of this Encyclopedia though some of the methods which will be discussed are applicable to such collisions. No mention will be made of the rates of chemical reactions as these are adequately dealt with in chemical textbooks.