The H + H2O → OH + H2 reaction: OH state-resolved differential cross-sections and H2 internal energy disposals

The OH(2Π1/2,v′=0,N′=1) state-resolved differential cross-section and H2 co-product internal energy distribution have been determined experimentally for the hot H-atom reaction with H2O at a mean collision energy of 1.43 eV, using the polarized Doppler-resolved laser induced fluorescence technique. The derived angular distribution shows intensity over a wide range of scattering angles, and the majority (∼87%) of the energy available to the state specific OH products is channelled into kinetic energy. The results are discussed in the light of other recent experimental and theoretical work on this prototypical four atom reaction.