Some Concepts in Reaction Dynamics

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario: 16mm.
"In this film chemical reaction dynamics are postulated using computer-generated diagrams. Normal collision energies are studied first. In various types of reactions the point of energy release may be either as the reagents approach, or as the products separate. Exothermic reactions have two types of energy profiles—attractive and repulsive, the extremes of which result in special behaviours such as light atom anomaly, or secondary encounters including clutching and clouting. In thermoneutral reactions the location of the barrier determines the success of the reaction and the type of energy it requires. Along the advance coordinate, translational energy creates a reaction, while along the retreat coordinate vibrational energy does the same. Potential energy deep hollows are also mentioned. Endothermic reactions work in the opposite direction from exothermic ones, the energy release being when the products separate. Finally, high collision energy types of reactions are briefly discussed with the phenomena of stripping and fragmentation. Chemicals used to illustrate these types of reactions are hydrogen and chloride, fluoride, or deuterium, potassium and bromine, and tritium and methane."