Primary Radiation Yield in Liquid Water

Abstract

THERE is a substantial body of evidence in support of the view that hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals are the major products formed in the primary act when high-energy radiation is absorbed in liquid water. Although a good deal is known about the reactivity of these species, and a little is known about their spatial distribution, no estimate of the efficiency (G₁), that is, the number of water molecules decomposed per 100 eV. energy absorbed, was available when, in 1949, we began the investigation described below. Quite recently, two very different estimates^1,2 of this primary radiation yield have been published. We therefore consider it desirable to publish without delay an outline of our method and results. The agreement of our results with those of the French workers, with whom we have been in close touch, is quite striking; the disparity with the American workers will be discussed elsewhere.