BRITISH CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS
A . - P U R E CH EM ISTRY
M A R C H , 1933.
General, Physical, and Inorganic Chemistry.
Dispersion and absorption of helium. J. P.
Vnrai (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 632— 640).—
Theoretical. The relative degrees of importance of singly excited, doubly excited, and continuous states in the dispersion and absorption spectrum are moderate, small, and very large, respectively. N. M. B.
Spectrum of Li in. H. G. G a le and J. B. H o a g (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1703).— Lines required by the Bohr theory have been measured at 135-0, 113-9, 108-0, 105-5, and 104-2 A. and at 729-1 A.
L. S. T.
Hyperflne structure of ionised lithium. S.
Go u d sm it and D. R. In g lis (Physical Rev., 1931,
[ii], 37, 329). L. S. T.
Structure of arc and spark lines of nitrogen.
P. G. Kr uger and R. C. Gibbs (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1702— 1703). L. S. T.
Absorption bands of atmospheric oxygen.
H. D. Ba bc o ck and W . P. Hogb (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 227 ; cf. A., 1931, 1343).—Revised wave-lengths for 382 0 2 lines have been derived.
L. S. T.
Diffuse bands accompanying the D-lines of sodium. K . Wu r m (Z. Physik, 1932, 79, 736—
741).— Bands were observed due to Na2 polarisation m ols.; the heat of dissociation is estimated to be
0-1 volt. A. B. D. C.
Hyper fine structure in aluminium. R . Rit sch l (Nature, 1933, 131, 58— 59).—Details o f liyperfine structure observed in A1 arc and spark lines are recorded. A1 has a nuclear moment. L. S. T.
Nuclear spin of aluminium. R. C. Gibbs and P. G. K r u g e r (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 3 7 , 656—
657).— The four A1 lines obtained with a Schuler hoi low-cathode discharge cooled by liquid air are sharp and lack structure. The lines 3944, 3961, and 4663 A. result from transitions which should give wide liyperfine structure separations and should be observable if the nuclear moment o f A1 differs from 0. A1 may be regarded as an exception to present theories o f nuclear structure. L. S. T.
Aluminium may have a nuclear spin. H. E.
Wh it e (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 3 7 , 1175).—Previous evidence (cf. preceding abstract) is inconclusive and A1 is predicted to have a nuclear spin.
L. S. T.
Band spectrum, predissociation, and structure of the P 2 molecule. G. He r zb e r g (Ann. Physik, 1932, [v], 15, 677—706).— The ultra-violet band
spectrum o f the P2 mol. has been measured and the vibrational structure analysed. Predissociation sets in at the vibrational quantum no. i/= = ll. The heat o f dissociation o f the P2 mol. is 5-008 volts=115-45 kg.-cal. In this predissociation it is a question of a radiationless intercombination. The at. separation in the ground state is remarkably large in comparison with‘ the at. separations o f neighbours o f P2 in the periodic table. Abnormal vals. for the vibration quantum nos. and for the heat o f dissociation are found also for this mol. W . R. A.
Band spectrum of sulphur. P. H u b e r (Physi
cal Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 471).— The effect o f predis
sociation is especially evident in emission, the n' — >■ 0 progression breaking off suddenly after the 8—0 band. The heat of dissociation of S2 is therefore
< 4-39 volts. Five emission bands between 2828 and 2980 A. havo been photographed. L. S. T.
Iron spectrum in the hydrogen flame. (Miss) M. Ad a m (Ann. Physik, 1932, [v], 15, 613— 618).—
The Fe spectrum in the H 2 flame shows that the a lines, in comparison with the b lines and the lines of the Fe arc, are considerably intensified. The 6 lines gradually appear stronger than the a lines in proceeding through the series H 2 flame, mantle of illuminating gas, H2- 0 2 flame, arc. W. R. A.
Hyperflne structure in the copper spectrum.
A. G. Siie n st o n e (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1023).— The nuclear moment of Cu is probably 1|.
Ag shows no hyperflne structure. L. S. T.
Effect of hydrogen on the intensities of the spectra of zinc, cadmium, and mercury. J. G.
Bl a c k and W . G. Na s h (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 468).— H 2 mixed with Cd or Hg in a low-voltage arc has a similar effect as with Zn (A., 1930, 2). Hg has more than enough energy to dissociate H 2, Zn just enough, but Cd has insufficient. In spectro
scopic analysis the absence o f a “ raie ultime ” apparently does not prove the absence o f an element
when H2 is present. L. S. T.
Series in th e spectrum of germanium II.
C. W. G a r t l e l n (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 3 7 , 1704).—
Two series have been obtained from the spectrum of Ge ii in the region 500— 9000 A. The second ionisation potential of Ge is approx. 15-86 volts.
L. S. T.
First spark spectrum of arsenic. A. S. Rao (Current Sci., 1932, 1, 42—43).—Terms of the As II spectrum due to the 4d electron and to the configur- 199
200 B R IT IS H CHEM ICAL A B STR ACT S. A .
ation is ip 3 have been detected. Tolansky’s val.
(3/2) for the nuclear moment o f As is confirmed.
Ch. Ab s. Sixth spectrum of arsenic. 1). Borg and J. E.
Mack (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 470).—The lines of the transition 3d94s -<— 3rf94p have been identified
in As vi. L. S. T.
Deviations from the sum rule in the spectrum of strontium. W. Kast (Z. Physik, 1932, 79,
731— 735). A. B. D. C.
Wave-lengths of silver, molybdenum, copper, iron, and chromium K<xx lines. J. A. Be a r d e n
(Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43, 92— 97).— Data obtained by the double-crystal spectrometer agree for Ag and Mo, but differ for Cu, Fe, and Cr from the results of photographic methods. N. M. B.
Interferential comparison of the red and other radiations emitted by a new cadmium lamp and the Michelson lamp. J. E. Sears and H . Ba r r e l l (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1933, A, 139, 202—
218).— The new Cd lamp (Osram), when excited with a current o f 1 amp., is a safe substitute for the
^Michelson lamp as a standard source o f monochrom
atic red radiation. When the current is increased to 2 amp. the Osram lamp becomes unsuitable.
L. L. B.
Line fluorescence of cadmium vapour. (M lle .) E. K alin ow ska (Compt. rend., 1933, 196, 168—
170).— The intensities o f the lines o f the triplet 467S, 4800, 5086 A. of the fluorescence spectrum excited in saturated Cd vapour at 600— 900° by light o f A1 and Cd sparks show that the excitation . o f the Cd atom to the state 23S is mainly duo to a single act o f absorption o f the photons, but at low pressures also to excitation o f loosely-bound mols. C. A. S.
Nuclear moment of indium. D. A. Ja c k s o n (Z.
Physik, 1933, 80, 59— 66).—The nuclear moment o f In is most probably 9/2 (cf. A., 1930, 1075).
A. B. D. C.
Molecular fluorescence of antimony. J.
Ge n a r d (Nature, 1933, 131, 132). L. S. T.
Arc spectrum of iodine. S. C. D e b (Proc. Roy.
Soc., 1933, A, 139, 380— 397).— The spectrum of I has been photographed in the region 3200— 9113 A.
in emission and 2300— 1800 A. in absorption, and 160 out o f the total o f 437 recorded lines have been classified. The ionisation potential is 10-548 volts.
L. L. B.
Dissociation of excited iodine molecules by collisions with argon atoms. L. A. T u r n e r and E. W . Samson (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1684).—
I atoms are produced by illumination o f an I-A mixture (0-3 mm. I, 5 cm. A) with continuous light o f wave-length > 5100 A. from a C arc. The excited mols. appear to dissociate on collision with A atoms.
L. S. T.
Monochromatic excitation of fluorescence of iodine. I . I . A g a r b ic e a n u (Compt. rend., 1933, 196, 166— 16S; cf. A., 1931, 7 ; 1932, 891).—Hg lines 5461, 5769, and 5790 A. excite in I vapour, provided it is free from any other gas, respectively
5, 9, and 9 lines. C. A. S.
First spectrum of xenon. G. J. Hu m p h r e y s and W. F. Meg gers (Bur. Stand. J. Res., 1933,10, 139—
149).— 538 lines o f Xe i between 3340 and 11,140 A.
were measured and classified. H. J. E.
Stark effect for xenon. H. W. H a r k n e s s and J. F . H e a r d (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1933, A, 139, 416—
435).— The Stark effect for X e has been examined in the region 3500— 8400 A. Displacements have been observed for 98 lines. The results support the quantum-mechanical explanation o f the origin of Stark displacements. Lines belonging to the second spectrum o f X e have been observed, none showing displacement in the electric field.
L. L. B.
Absorption of light in cæsium vapour. H. J. J.
Br a d d ic k and R. W. Dit c h b u r n (Nature, 1933, 131, 132— 133).— The absorption o f light in Cs vapour at 0-15— 0-6 mm. and 270° has been measured from 3184 to 1935 A. Absorption at a given wave
length is directly proportional to pressure, and a preliminary val. for total absorption at 3130 A. is 1-92 (±0-1) X10-19 cm.4 Agreement with photo
ionisation measurements indicates that absorption at this wave-length is photo-electric. L. S. T.
Extension of the first spark spectrum of cæsium (Cs il). J. Ol t h o f f and R. A. Sa w y e r (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 766—776 ; cf. A., 1932, 439).— Intensities, wave-lengths, frequencies, and classifications are tabulated for about 260 lines in the range 2300— 10,000 A. N. M. B.
Activation of nitrogen-mercury mixtures by illumination with light from a quartz-mercury arc. B. L. Sn a v e l y and L. A. Tu r n e r (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1684).— Illumination o f a N2- Hg mixture (5 mm. N2, 0-001 mm. Hg) in quartz lowers the resistance of the W filament if this is originally at 400°. The excited Hg atoms appear to activate the N2, but only with the H 20-cooled arc, showing that the 2537 line is involved.
L. S. T.
Hyperfine structure and polarisation of mer
cury resonance radiation. A. El le t t (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 216— 217).— A reply to criticism.
L. S. T.
Bluish-green fluorescence of mercury vapour.
P. D. Fo o t e, A. E. Ru a r k, and R. L. Ch e n a u l t
(Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1685).—At 21° and 33°
the green glowr is invisible in the absence of a foreign gas. Addition of a few mm. of N„ renders it bright.
L. S. T.
Intensities in the ultra-violet spectrum of mercury. E. D. McAl is t e r (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1021— 1022).— Intensities of the major lines in the region 2000—4000 A. of a Hg arc have been
measured. L. S. T.
Band spectra which appear near visible triplet lines of mercury. E. Ma t u y a m a (Nature, 1933, 131, 5S).— Details of bands emitted near to the visible triplet lines 23P 0ji,2— 23<S1 in electrodeless excitation of tho vapour are recorded. L. S. T.
Origin of the mercury bands at 2480 A.
J. G. Win a n s (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 800—
S06).— Evidence that the S bands near 24S0 A.,
G E N E R A L, P H Y SIC A L , A N D IN O RG AN IC CH E M ISTR Y . 201
photographed under varied excitation conditions, have as origin the Hg,~ or Hg„ mol. is discussed.
N. M. B.
Absolute intensities in the visible and ultra
violet spectrum of a quartz mercury arc. E. D.
McAl is t e r (Smithsonian Miscell. Coll., 1933, 87, 1— 18).— Abs. intensity measurements, accurate to
± 3 % , were made on 32 lines. Eour arcs showed intensity divergences to a max. of 10%. N. M. B.
Zeeman effect of the hyperfine structure in thallium n and III. R. F. Ba c h e r (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37,226).— The positions and intensities of the Zeeman components of several lines in the first and second spark spectra of T1 now calc, agree with experimental results (A., 1930, 1330).
L. S. T.
Paschen-Back effect and hyperfine structure of Bi i i . J. B. Gr e e n (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 16S7; of. A., 1932, 208).—The Zeeman effect in Bi i ihas been studied in a field of 34,000 gauss.
L. S. T.
Width of spectral lines in gases. V. We issk o p f
(Physikal. Z., 1933, 34, 1— 24).— A summary dealing mainly with the theory. A. J. M.
Pressure broadening of spectral lines. II.
H. Ma r g e n a u (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 4 3 , 129—
134; cf. A., 1932, 668).—Mathematical. N. M. B.
True and apparent intensity distribution in spectral lines. H . C. Bu r g er and P. H . v a n Cit t e r t (Z. Physik, 1932, 79, 722— 730).—A method is given for evaluating the integral relating true to apparent intensity distributions in spectral lines.
Multiplet separations in the spectra of atoms with two optical electrons. H. C. Br in k m a n (Z.
Physik, 1932, 79, 753—775).— Matrix elements are given for interaction of two electrons and for spin-
orbital coupling. A. B. D. C.
Spectroscopic applications of the electrodeless discharge. G. De j a r d in (Canad. J. Res., 1932, 7, 556—570).— Spectroscopic study of the electrodeless discharge furnishes one of the best methods of separat
ing the spectra corresponding with different degrees of ionisation of the atom. The empirical classi
fication obtained frbin the change of line intensity with intensity of excitation agrees well with theory.
Results for Ne, A, Kr, Xe, Hg, and P are discussed
in detail. J. W. S.
Electrical discharge in gases at normal tem
peratures and pressures. J. D. St e p h e n s o n
(Proc. Physical Soc., 1933, 45, 20— 40).— Experi
ments on corona and spark discharges show that there is a definite val. which can be called the true break
down strength of the gas. C. W. G.
Method of extending the frequency range of the cathode-ray tube. H . Ha r t r id g e (Nature, 1933,
131, 95— 96). L . S. T.
Atomic scattering factor for X-rays in the region of anomalous dispersion. D. Coster and K. S. Kn o l (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1933, A, 139, 459—
466).— Theoretical. A method of calculating the at. factor for X-rays in the region of anomalous
dispersion, especially in the neighbourhood of the X-edge of the scattering element, is described.
L. L. B.
Quadrupole lines in X-ray spectra. II. E.
Se g r e (Atti R. Accad. Lincei, 1932, [vi], 16, 442;
cf. A., 1932, 316).— Results obtained by other workers confirm the author’s views attributing tho forbidden lines of X-ray spectra to quadrupole radiation.
Structure of Ka. of carbon. A. Ha u t o t (Compt.
rend., 1932, 195, 1383— 1384; cf. this vol., 108).—
The ray of greater wave-length is itself double, so that Ka of C consists of at least three lines, those of shorter A being separated from that of greatest by 0-2 and 0-7 A., as in Ka. of the heavier elements (cf.
A., 1927, 491). C. A. S.
Absolute measurement of the Cu La. line.
C. E. H o w e and M. A l l e n (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1694).—60 determinations indicate a val. of 13-326 A .± 0 -0 1 for the La line of Cu. L. S. T.
Relative intensities of the Lav $v (32, and yj lines in tantalum, tungsten, iridium, and platin
um. V. J. An d r e w (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 591— 608; cf. A., 1931, 1114).— The respective corrected intensities at 30 kv. of La2, p1( p2, y l are : Ta, 100, 49-5, 18-8, 9-0; W , 100, 49-4, 20-2, 10-0;
Ir, 100, 48-0, 21-2, 10-2; Pt, 100, 46-1, 21-0, 9-7.
N. M. B.
Are the wave-lengths of X-ray satellites affected by chemical combination ? F. K.
Ric h m y e r (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 457).— The two-electron jump theory of tho origin of satellites requires that one jump should be affected by chemical combination. In comparing the X a3i4 satellites of Si and Na2Si03 the difference in wave-length between satellite and parent line for the latter is in the case of Kaa, 3-9% and in that of K a, 2-8% > for Si.
L. S. T.
Upper atomic limit of the satellites of the X-ray line L a ,. E. Ram b e r g (Physical Rev., 1931,
[ii], 37, 457). L. S. T.
X-Ray absorption coefficients of the light elements and their relations to the various absorption formulae. S. J. M. A l l e n (PhysicalRev., 1931, [ii], 37, 456).— More accurate measurements at 1-539 and 1-934 A. have been obtained for 0 , C, B, Be, Li, and H and corrections applied for impurities present. Tho vals. of p/p have been compared with those given by existing formula}, and a new formula is
put forward. L. S. T.
Measurement of X-ray emission wave-lengths by means of the ruled grating. R. B. Wit m e r and J. M. Co r k (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 743—
748).— Data are recorded for the L series of the elements V to Zn, and the K series of C to Si.
Except in the caso of the Ka lines of C, F, and O tho wave-lengths are longer than those found for the corresponding lines by tho crystal method.
N. M. B.
Multiplex-echelon gratings. E. La u (Z. Physik, 1933, 80, 100— 104).— An echelon with steps of two different thicknesses gives greater resolving power than that so far obtained. A. B. D. C.
202 BR IT IS H CHEM ICAL A B STR ACT S.— A .
Theory of the multiplex-echelon grating. P.
Gorlich (Z. Physik, 1933, 80, 105— 106; cf. pre
ceding abstract). A. B. D. C.
Oxygen atom in various states of ionisation.
D. R. Ha r t r e e and (Miss) M. M. Bl a c k (Proc. Roy.
Soc., 1933, A, 139, 311— 335).— Theoretical. One- electron wave functions for the normal electron arrangements of 0 +++, 0 ++, 0 +, and neutral 0 have been calc., and the results have been used to calculate the total energies of the various stationary states arising from the normal electron arrangements, and hence the ionisation energies of these states, using Slater’s theory of complex spectra (A., 1930,
126). L. L. B.
Relation between ionisation and ionisation current in gases at high pressures. W. R.
Ha r p e r (Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc., 1933, 29, 149—
155)—The phenomena which limit saturation in a high-pressure ionisation chamber are examined with particular reference to the part played by preferential
recombination. N. M. B.
Relation between ionic radius and higher ionisation potential. J. A . M . v a n Lie m p t (Rec., trav. chirn., 1933, 52, 85—87; cf. this vol., 5).—
Tables are given showing that the product (ionic radius X second ionisation potential) is const, for elements of any one group of the periodic classification.
P. L. U.
Ionisation of hydrogen by positive ion impacts.
M. E. Hu f fo r d (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 46S).—
Ionisation by positive ions is indicated when positive ions of Li, Na, and H are accelerated in an atm. of
H2 at low pressures. L. S. T.
New ultra-ionisation potentials of mercury vapour. W. M . Nie l s e n (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 87— S8).— Crit. ultra-ionisation potentials have been observed at 10-40, 10-66, 11-00, 11-41, 11-72,12-06,12-40,12-80, and 13-25 volts. L. S. T.
Electronic energy levels of neutral and ionised oxygen. R. S. Mu l l i k e n (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1711— 1712).— Theoretical. Existing data on 0 2 and 0 2+ bands indicate 11-7 volts as the most probable val. for the min. ionising potential of 0 2.
L. S. T.
Photo-electric effect of electric spark radiation.
J. Me ik l e j o h n (Phil. M ag., 1933, [vii], 1 5 , 146— 163).
H. J. E.
Photo-electric emission from different metals.
H . C. Re n t s c h l e r, D. E. He n r y, and K. O. Sm it h (Rev. Sci. Instr., 1932, [ii], 3, 794—-802).— Sensitivity- wave-lengtli curves are given for U, Ce, Mg, Th, Zr, Ti, Ta, Zn, Cd, Al, Cu, Ag, W , Ca, Ba, and electrodes
coated with BaO. C. W. G.
Optical and photo-electric experiments with thin metallic layers. R . Sc h u l z e (Physikal. Z., 1933, 34, 24— 38).— The theory o f optical phenomena at thin layers , is extended to cover the cases o f inner multiple reflexion and interference. A new method of obtaining thin layers is described. For layers up to a thickness o f 2 mg the index o f refraction and extinction coeff. are const. Photo-electric determin
ations allow the absorption coeff., ¡3, and the free wave-length, >,, o f the emitted electrons to be calc.
[3 and >, were independent o f wave-length for the Au
layers used. A. J. M.
Photo-electric currents in gases between parallel plate electrodes. L. A. Yo u n g and N. E.
Br a d b u r y (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43, 34— 37).—
The dependence on accelerating field strength, pres
sure, and nature of the gas is investigated. The physical phenomenon of importance is the Ramsauer scattering in the vicinity of the emitter. N. SI. B.
Oblique initial emission of electrons from glowing rough crystalline metal surfaces. H.
Se e m a n (Z. Physik, 1932, 79, 742— 752).
A. B. D. C.
Efficiency of secondary electron emission.
S. R. Ra o (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1933, A, 139, 436—447;
cf. A., 1930, 1080, 1081).—The efficiencies of the secondary electron emission from Cu, Fe, Ni, and Ag faces, calc, from Farnsworth’s data (A., 1928, 453) for various primary potentials, show a strong resemblance to similar efficiencies o f soft X-rays.
For polycryst. and single-crystal faces of Ni, the efficiencies calc, from the author’s data are nearly the same at potentials < 150 volts. The observed tendency to saturation in the soft X-ray intensity curves at about 3000 volts might be due to the photo-electric methods o f measurement. L. L. B.
Radiation from slow electrons. L. Ne d e l s k y
(Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 641— 665).— Mathe
matical. N. M. B.
Elastic scattering of electrons by mercury atoms. E. B. Jo r d a n and R. B. Br o d e (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43, 112— 115).— The angular dis
tributions for electrons o f 10— 800 volts energy, and an angle range 5— 172°, were investigated.
N. M. B.
Secondary electrons from molybdenum. L. J.
Ha w o r t h (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 93— 94).— A continuation o f previous work (A., 1931, 11).
L. S. T.
Collision of slow electrons with atoms. II.
General theory and inelastic collisions. H. S. W.
Ma s s e y and C. B. O. Moh r (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1933, A, 139, 187— 201; cf. A., 1931, 1107).—Mathe
matical. The theory o f the collisions o f slow electrons with atoms is extended to allow for the distortion o f the scattered wave by the field of the excited atom and for the effect o f electron exchange. The excit
ation probabilities o f the 2XP and 23P states of He
are calc. L. L. B.
Electron scattering in helium. Absolute measurements at 90° and 45°. S. We r n e r (Proc.
Roy. Soc., 1933, A, 139, 113— 129).— The scattered intensity is measured at velocities corresponding with 30— 400 volts and at scattering angles of 90° and 45°.
The experimental results are compared with the nuclear scattering calc, from Rutherford’s formula and with that calc, from Mott and Bethe’s formula (A., 1930, 972, 974). Agreement is found above 150 volts, but at low velocities the scattering is much
< nuclear scattering. L. L. B.
Technique of ion counting. H. T. Gr a z ia d e i
(Physikal. Z., 1933, 34, 82— 88).— The use o f an arrangement due to Swann for the removal o f the
G E N E R A L, P H Y SIC A L , A N D INO RG A N IC CH E M ISTRY . 203
external opposing field which occurs in the charge method is considered, and it is shown that the modi
fied method gives results as good as those obtained by the discharge method. The observation by Sheppard (Nature, 1932, 129, 169) o f the existence of periodic oscillations of the ionic content o f air was not verified.
A. J. M.
M u lt ip ly -c h a r g e d la r g e io n s . J. J. No l a n and J. G. O ’Ke e f f e (Proc. Roy. Irish Acad., 1933, 41, A, No. 4, 26— 40).—The Aitken counter was used to investigate the charges carried by nuclei from various sources. Large ions produced by spraying H20 have charges varying from 30 to 250 units. Atm. nuclei can be charged to several thousand electronic charges, whilst those produced by flames can carry some hundreds o f charges. It was found that the ions fell into well-defined groups, especially ions produced by
spraying H20 . A. J. M.
Equilibrium of atoms and ions adsorbed on a metal surface. R. C. Ev a n s (Proc. Camb. Phil.
Soc., 1933, 29, 161— 164).— Mathematical. The rate of attainment of equilibrium, in order to interpret data on the rate o f evaporation o f the alkali metals adsorbed on hot W, is investigated. N. M. B.
Effect of ammonia on positive ion emissivity of iron, nickel, and platinum. A. K. Br e w e r (J.
Amer. Chem. Soc., 1932, 54, 4588—4597 ; cf. A., 1932, 669).—Thermionic emission o f positive ions was in
vestigated with gas pressures between 100 and 10“6 mm.
At low temp., a pure Fc filament in NH3 emits positive ions more copiously than a K -A l20 3-F e emitter in vac. Ni is almost as efficient as Fe, but the emission from Pt is not greatly increased by NH3.
H 2, however, enhances the emission of positive and negative ions from Pt and Ni, but has little effect on Fe. N2 has only very small effects on Fe and Ni, and none on Pt. Work function vals. indicate that ions before being emitted reside on the surface in a completely dissociated state. The relation of the results to adsorption and surface catalysis is discussed.
J. G. A. G.
Mobilities of gaseous ions in M e N 0 2-H 2 and M eCN-H, mixtures. E. A. Hig l e y and C. C.
Thorsen (J. Franklin Inst., 1933, 215, 69— 80).—
Measurements are recorded. In H2, MeN02 forms stable complexes with positive ions and, less readily, with negative ions; MeCN forms complexes with positive ions and possibly also with negative ions.
H. J. E.
Neutralisation and ionisation of bigh-velocity ions of neon, argon, and krypton by collision with similar atoms. H . F. Ba t h o (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 753— 765; cf. Rudnick, A., 1931, 1347).—The free paths for neutralisation of the ion and ionisation of the atom were measured over low pressure ranges and the velocity range corresponding with acceler
ating potentials o f 10,000—22,000 volts for Ne, A, and Kr. In each case, the free path for ionisation, reduced to 760 mm., was approx. 6-5X10“1 cm.; the free paths for neutralisation x lO 4 were 0-95, 0-45, and 0-35 for Ne, A, and Kr, respectively. Both free paths decrease with increasing velocity. N. M. B.
Properties of H-rays. C. Pa w l o w s k i (Acta phys. Polon., 1932,1, 177— 207; Ghem. Zentr., 1932,
ii, 2010—2011).—A discussion o f the authors’ results (A., 1931, 1348) for H rays expelled from paraffin, cellophane, collodion, and H 2 by means of Po cc-rays.
Ch. A b s.
Application of the Fermi-Thomas model to positive ions. E. Gu t h and R. Pe ie r l s (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 217). L. S. T.
Scattering of molecular rays by gases. I. F.
Kn a h e r (Z. Physik, 1933, 80, 80— 99).— The scatter
ing of mol. rays of H 2, He, H 20 , and 0 2 by the gases themselves and by Hg was studied for scattering angles between 22° and 124°; the observations are explained by classical mechanics assuming appropriate
force fields. A. B. D. C.
Reflexion of metallic atoms from alkali halide crystals. R. R. Ha n c o x (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 864— 881; cf. Zahl, A., 1931, 1207).—
The scattering of mol. beams of Hg from crystals of LiF, LiCl, NaF, and K I, and of a mol. beam of Cd from NaCl, has been investigated as a function of crystal and beam temp. N. M. B.
Effective cross-sections of molecules on the basis of gas theory. II. Its dependence on other magnitudes. H. E. Bin k e l e (Ann. Physik,
1932, [v], 15, 729; cf. A., 1931, 890).—The exact comparison of mol. dimensions obtained by means of consideration of the van der Waals b, the viscosity cross-section, and the at. radii deduced from crystallo- graphic or spectroscopic data is discussed.
W. R. A.
Effective cross-sections of atoms compared with slow and fast electrons. R. L. Ro se n b e r g
(Ann. Physik, 1932, [v], 15, 757— 786).— Theoretical.
W. R. A.
Action cross-section for collisions of the second kind between atoms and ions. O. S.
Du f f e n d a c k and K. Th o m so n (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43, 106— 111).— The relative probability of excitation of terms in the spark spectra of Cu, Au, Al, and Ag by impacts of the second kind with ions of He and Ne was determined as a function of the resonance
discrepancy. N. M. B.
Third report of the at. wt. commission of the International Union for Chemistry. G. P. Ba x t e r, P. Ch r ie, O. Ho n ig sc h m id, P. Le b e a u, and R. J. Me y e r (Ber., 1933, 66, [A], 21— 30).— The report follows the lines of its precursors. Recent work on the at. wts. of C, N, F, Kr, Xe, K, La, Tl, Se, Te, and I is criticised in detail. The following alter
ations are recommended : 1 ,126-92 instead of 126-932;
La, 138-92 instead of 138-90. H. W.
Physical at. wts. F. W. Ast o n (J.C.S., 1932,
2888— 2894).—A lecture. A. J. M.
Comparison of the masses of He and H1 on a mass-spectrograph. K. T. Ba in b r id g e (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43,103— 105).— Results give He : H * = 3-971283±0-000042. If He=4-00216±0-00013 on the 0 10 scale, H 4= 1-007775+0-000035 in agreement
with Aston. N. M. B.
Precision determination of the mass ratio of O18 and O16. H. D. Bab c o c k and R. T. Birge
(Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 233; cf. following abstract).— The vibrational isotope effect gives O18
204 BR IT IS H CHEM ICAL A B ST R A C T S.— A .
18-00G5iO'OOOl, whilst the rotational isotope effect gives 18-0064 and 18-0074. L. S. T.
Relative abundance of the oxygen isotopes, and the basis of the at. wt. system. R. T. Bir g e and D. H. Me n z e l (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1669—
1671).— A discussion. Mecke arid Childs’ val. of 630 : 1 (A., 1931, 543) for the abundance ratio of of O16 : O18 is preferred to other vals. (A., 1929, 971;
1930, 1232). Owing to the uncertainty of the connecting factor, it is desirable not to convert the results obtained by one system for the measurement of at. masses to those obtained by the other. L. S. T.
Precision determination of atomic mass ratios from band spectra. R. T. Bir g e (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 3 7 , 227).— Theoretical. ' “ L. S. T.
Vibrational isotope effects in polyatomic mole
cules. E. O. Sa l a n t and (Miss) J. E. Ro s e n t h a l
(Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, 812— 822).— Mathe
matical. N. M. B.
Intensity ratio for the boron isotopes B10 and B 11. L. S. Or n s t e in and J. A. Vr e e s w ij k, jun.
(Z. Physik, 1933, 80, 57— 58).— The intensity ratio for B lu : B 11 is 1 : 4-43, giving the at. wt. 10-816 (cf.
this vol., 207). A. B. D. C.
E v id e n c e a g a in s t th e e x iste n c e o f a c h lo rin e iso to p e o f m a s s 3 9 . M. As h l e yand F. A. Je n k i n s
(Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 3 7 , 712).— The ultra-violet absorption bands of AgCl give no band corresponding with Cl39, which cannot be present to an extent
> 0-001 of Cl37. No heavier isotopes could be detected from a similar investigation of AgBr and A gl bands.
L. S. T.
Lead isotopes. (Miss) E. R . Bishop, (Miss) M.
L a w k en z, and C. B. D o l l i n s (Physical R ev., 1933, [ii], 4 3 , 43—46; cf. A., 1932, 554).—The magneto- optic method shows 16 isotopes of probable mass and order o f abundance : 208, 206, 207, 205, 212, 210, 204, 202, 203, 211, 201, 209, 216, 215, 214, and 213. In U salts 206, 210, 202, and 214, and in Th salts 20S, 216, 204, and 212, predominate. N. M. B.
Bismuth isotopes. F. Al l is o n and (Miss) E. R.
Bish op (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 4 3 , 47).—The magneto-optic method shows 14 isotopes of probable mass and order of abundance : 211, 210, 209, 212, 215, 214, 213, 216, 207, 205, 206, 208, 219, 217.
N. M. B.
Radium isotopes. (Miss) E. R. Bish o p and C. B. Do l l in s (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 4 3 , 4S).—
The magneto-optic method shows 4 isotopes of probable mass and order of abundance : 226, 22S, 230,
and 232. N. M. B.
Isotopes of uranium, thorium, and thallium.
R. Go sl in and F. Al l is o n (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 4 3 , 49—50).— The magneto-optic method shows isotopes of probable mass and order of abundance:
U, 238, 239, 240, 234, 237, 235, 233, 236; Th, 232, 230, 234, 235, 236, 229, 233, 231; Tl, 207, 205, 211, 203, 201, 209, 215, 213. N. M. B.
Isotopes of uranium, thorium, and lead, and their geophysical significance. C. S. Piggot (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43, 51— 59).— A determin
ation, by the magneto-optic method, of the isotopes
of the elements involved in the radioactive disinte
grations (at. nos. 81— 92) indicates 4 radioactive series beginning with 8 isotopes of U (2 to each), and ending with 16 isotopes of Pb (4 to each). Calculations on U238 and Pb206 would give the most accurate age
determinations. N. M. B.
Nuclear moments of the two rubidium isotopes.
H . Ko p f e r m a n n(Naturwiss., 1933,2 1 ,24).— Investig
ation of the visible spectrum of neutral and simply ionised Rb as regards hyperfine structure shows that if the moment of R b 85 is taken as 5/2, and that of R b 87 as 5/2 or 3/2, and the magnetic moment of R b 87 is 2-3 times that of R b 85, a term scheme can be drawn up. No isotopic displacement is shown by the lines studied. The results are not in agreement with those of Jackson (A., 1931, 8S7). A. J. M.
Mass defects of C13, O18, N 15, from band spectra, and the relativity relation of mass and energy.
R. T. Bir g e (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 841—
842).— The mass defects of C13, O18, and N15, 10-7, 17-7, and 27-0, respectively, obtained from band spectra data are satisfactorily located on the “ mass defect” curve of Chadwick and co-workers (A., 1931,
783). L. S. T.
Corpuscular X-ray spectra of the radio
elements. C. D. Ellis (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1933, A, 139, 336—342).— Direct comparison of the (3-ray spectra of R a-(B-\-C) and Th-(7!+C) shows that certain lines are common to each. These must represent the corpuscular X-ray spectrum of an atom of at. no. 83, since the electronic structure of an atom of this at. no. is the only common feature in the two
sources. L. L. B.
Radioactive families. (Miss) E. R . Bish o p
(Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43, 38— 42).— Available data are interpreted in terms of radioactive transform
ation diagrams. N. M. B.
Radioactivity of lanthanum, neodymium, and samarium. W. F. Li b b y and W. M. La t im e r
(J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 1933, 5 5 , 433— 434; cf. this vol., 4).— The radiation emitted by La and Nd is of the p-ray type. The activities of La, Nd, and Sm are approx. 8, 2-5, and 3 times, respectively, that of K per mol. Gd gave negative results. The activity is probably due to unstable isotopes, but traces of Ac may be present in the La and Nd. J. G. A. G.
Upper limit of energy in the p-ray spectrum of actinium-li. B. W . Sa r g e n t (Proc. Camb. Phil.
Soc., 1933, 29, 156— 160).— Absorption curves in paper and A1 for the ¡3-rays of A c -(R + G) and A c-C"
gave 0-08±0-02 g. per sq. cm. for the range of the (3-rays of A c- B ; the energy required for this range is 300,000±50,000 volts, which must be the end-point of the continuous spectrum. N. M. B.
Mechanism of y-excitation by (3-disintegration.
G. Ga m o w (Nature, 1933,131, 57— 58).— A theory of electronic emission and excitation of the nucleus
concerned is outlined. L. S. T.
Internal conversion of the y-rays and nuclear level systems of the thorium-13 and -C bodies.
C. D. El lis and N. F. Mott (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1933, A, 139, 369— 379).— The vals. calc, for the internal
G E N E R A L, P H Y SIC A L , A N D IN O R G AN IC CH EM ISTR Y. 205
conversion coeffs. (this vol., I ll) are compared with experimental data from Th-I? and Th-G'. The level schemes of Th-C.C", Th-B.C, and Th-C".Pb are discussed. Quadrupole transitions are more common than dipole. The long-range a-particles from Ra- C.C' and Tlx-C.C are compared. L. L. B.
New coupling effect between y-rays and sheath electrons ? E. St a h e l (Naturwiss., 1933,21,43).—
A method of investigating experimentally the coupling effect between excited at. nuclei and sheath electrons
is described. A. J. M.
Heights of nuclear potential barriers. E. C.
Pol la r d (Nature, 1933, 131, 97).—The heights of the nuclear barriers of the light elements, calc, from scattering experiments with a-particles and from min. energy methods involving the range of a- particle of ieast velocity which enters a nucleus and causes emission, appear to be proportional to the at.
nos. This indicates that the protons produced from P by a-particles from Po and from K by R a-0 are due to resonance with a virtual a-particle level, since the a-particle will have insufficient energy to sur
mount the barrier. L. S. T.
Disintegration of lithium by protons of high energy. M. C. He n d e r s o n (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43, 98— 102).—The results of Lawrence (cf. A., 1932, 554) are extended to protons of 1,125,000 electron-volts energy. The probability of disinte
gration of the individual nucleus is independent of the proton energy above 4 x 105 volts. N. M. B.
Atomic disintegration at low potentials. H. R.
v o n Tr a h b e n b e r g, A. Ec k a r d t, and R. Ge b a u e r
(Naturwiss., 1933, 21, 26).— An apparatus for bringing about the disintegration of atoms by protons at low potentials is described. Li still shows disintegration with a potential of 29 kv., giving proton velocity of
13 kv. A. J. M.
Measurements with liquid helium. X X . At
tempt to show the presence of neutrons in the atmosphere. W. Me is s n e r and K. St e in e r (Z.
Physik, 1933, 80, 1— 3).—An upper limit for the neutron content of the atm. is 1-6 X10-11 by vol.
A. B. D. C.
Excitation of neutron emission from beryllium.
G. Kir sch and W. Sl o n e k (Naturwiss., 1933, 21, 62).—A Geiger counter was used to obtain the ex
citation curve of neutron emission from Be. The form of the curve shows the resonance positions, which are displaced somewhat to higher absorption vals.
than those obtained when the Wilson method was used. The relative distance between the resonance positions remains the same. A. J. M.
Diffusion of neutrons : inelastic collisions with nuclei. P. Au g e r (Compt. rend., 1933, 196, 170— 172; cf. A., 1932, 895).— Observations with the bombarded Be source (a) isolated in the centre of the chamber, (b) with a paraffin screen around it, and (c) backed against a diffuser of Cu, Al, Fe, or Pb and surrounded by the paraffin screen, give varying relative nos. of long and short paths. It is concluded that short paths are due to slow neutrons, produced by diffusion of rapid neutrons in matter, accompanied by loss of some 90% of their energy.
Collisions between neutrons and nuclei would fre
quently be inelastic, when the excited nuclei in returning to the normal state might emit y-rays, or be disintegrated with emission of corpuscular rays
(cf. ibid., 443). C. A. S.
Nature of the dark modification of active nitrogen. J. Ok u b o and H. Ha m a d a (Phil. Mag., 1933, [vii], 15, 103— 113).— On destroying the glow of active N by a second weak discharge the issuing gas is inactive if the N2 is pure, but active if it is contaminated (cf. A., 1928, 3). The effect of heating to 600— 650° on the spectrum of active N, and its ability to excite the D lines of Na, is described.
Modifications of Cario and Kaplan’s theory (A., 1930,
124) are suggested. H. J. E.
Apparent fatigue and ageing phenomena in the active nitrogen afterglow. C. T. Knipp and L. N. Sc h e u e r m a n (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 475).— The duration of the N afterglow decreases with an increase in time of energising by high frequency.
This appears to be a fatigue effect. When the N2 is kept for some months, an increase in the duration of the afterglow on flash results. This appears to be an ageing effect favourable to the formation of
the active aggregates. L. S. T.
Metastable molecules and active nitrogen. J.
Ka p l a n (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 226).— Strong, uncondensed discharges through mixtures of N2 and Hg vapour at 5 cm. yield spectra of the first positive group with an intensity distribution similar to that of the N2 afterglow. The possible modes of formation of the metastable N rnols. are discussed. L. S. T.
Active nitrogen. J. Ok u b o and H. Ha m a d a
(Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42 , 795— 799).— Two assumptions on the vibrational state, by which the observed results on active N can be explained, are
discussed. N. M. B.
New source of active nitrogen. J. Ka p l a n
(Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1004— 1005).—-The afterglow of active N has been obtained in the un
condensed discharge produced by a 25,000-volt 1-kw. transformer at 0-1 mm. to approx. 5mm.,butonly after long running of the tubes at approx. 0-001 mm.
L. S. T.
Occurrence of O in in stellar spectra. R. K.
Ma r s h a l l (Astrophys. J., 1932, 76, 316).
L. S. T.
Excitation of helium in the chromosphere.
P. C. Ke e n a n (Astrophys. J., 1932, 76, 139— 143).—
The turbulent motion of the chromospheric gases may give the Ca atoms sufficient velocity to excite normal He atoms by collision. L. S. T.
Normal state of helium molecule-ions He2+ and He2++. L. Pa u l in g (J. Chem. Physics, 1933, 1, 56— 59).—A theoretical treatment based on Schro-
dinger’s equation. F. L. U.
Auroral spectrum. J. Ka p l a n (Physical Rev., 1932, [ii], 42, S07—811).— The first negative bands of N have been excited under conditions closely resembling those in the aurora; the probable origin of the bands is discussed. N. M. B.
206 BR IT IS H CHEM ICAL A B STR A C T S.— A .
Energy of co sm ic ra y s. E. Re g e n e r (Nature, 1933, 131, 130 ; cf. A., 1932, 1072). L. S. T.
Pressure and temperature dependence of ionisation by cosmic rays. B. Gross (Z. Physik, 1933, 80, 125— 133). A. B. D. C.
Electromagnetic fields due to variable electric charges and the intensities of spectrum lines according to the quantum theory. G. A. Sch ott (Proc. Roy. Soc., 1933, A , 139, 37— 56).—Mathe
matical. The numerical vals. calc, from the expres
sions derived for the intensities of the lines of the Lyman, Balmer, and Paschen series show that the usual method of determining the electric moment of a distribution by means of Schrodinger’s integrals, and then applying the classical expression for the radiation from a dipole of equal moment, is liable
to gross errors. L. L. B.
Energies and wave-functions of the state (ls )(2 s )'S in helium-like atoms. J. P. V in ti (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 448— 449).— Theoretical.
L. S. T.
Extrapolation of atomic structure factor curves. M. Mu s k a t (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 656).— Froman’s formula (A., 1931,18) can he obtained without invoking a sp. theory of the electron dis
tribution causing the at. structure factor, and is independent of wave-meclianical interpretations of electron distribution. L. S. T.
Interaction between atoms with s-electrons.
N. Ro se n and S. Ik e h a r a (Physical Rev., 1933, [ii], 43, 5— 8).— Formula; previously obtained (cf.
A., 1932, 211) are evaluated, and illustrated by curves. Calc. vals. for H and the alkali metal mols.
are in good agreement with experiment. N. M. B.
Polarisabilities and intra-atomic energies of hydrogen and helium. J. G. Ki r k w o o d (Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 459— 460).— A method of cal
culating polarisabilities and intra-at. energies has been developed and applied to He and H2.
L. S. T.
Van der Waals forces of helium and the stability of a small energy helium molecule. H. Ma r g e n a u
(Physical Rev., 1931, [ii], 37, 1014; cf. A., 1932, 328).— Theoretical evidence for the existence of a He mol. of low energy of linking is given. L. S. T.
Pauli’s principle and the structure of the atomic nucleus. III. Mechanical moment of atomic nuclei. E. N. Gab o n (J. Gen. Chem. Russ., 1932, 2, 707— 709).—Theoretical. E. T.
Theory of interchange of vibrational and trans
lational energy. C. Ze n e r (Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc., 1933, 29, 136— 141).
Relation of empirical atomic and ionic radii to the Thomas-Fermi charge distribution in atoms.
W. Br a u n b e k (Z. Physik, 1932, 79, 701— 710).— The radius of an atom is defined as that of a sphere out
side which there is a const, amount of charge of the Thomas-Fermi distribution. This gives radii com
parable with empirical vals. for any one column of the periodic table. The column under Li and the corresponding singly-charged positive ions are con
sidered in detail, and the const, amount of charge is approx. that of one electron. A. B. D. C.
Radiation from glowing oxides and oxide mixtures in the visible spectrum. H. Hobbe
(Ann. Physik, 1932, [v], 1 5 ,709—728).— The radiation from glowing Ce02, Nd20 3, Sn02, Z r0 2, ZnO, A120 3- Cr20 3, Ce02-T h 0 2" and MgO-ZnO has been studied at different temp. The influence of temp, and particle size has been considered. Single crystals of white sapphire and ruby have also been examined.
W. R. A.
Crystal radiation and grain-boundary radi
ation of non-metallic bodies [oxides]. F. Sicahby and H. Hobbe (Z. tech. Physik, 1932, 13, 226— 2 2 8 ; Chem. Zentr., 1932, ii, 667).— A single crystal of'white sapphire shows practically no radiation in the visible region up to 1500° abs., but polycryst. A120 3 shows high emissivity especially in the blue region of the spectrum. The spectral distribution of the radiations from Al20 3-C r ,0 3 mixtures shows that the addition of Cr20 3 modifies the grain-boundary properties of
the A120 3. L. S. T.
Reflexion of light at a surface covered by a unimolecular film. C. St r a c h a n (Proc. Camb.
Phil. Soc., 1933, 29, 116—130).— Mathematical.
Asymptotic expansions of the expressions for the partition function and the rotational specific heat of a rigid polyatomic molecule for high temperatures. (Miss) I. E. Vi n e y (Proc. Camb.
Phil. Soc., 1933, 29, 142— 148).—Mathematical.
N. M. B.
Repulsion exponents for alkali hydrides. A.
Kr e b s (Z. Physik, 1933, 80, 134—136).—The known band spectra of LiH and NaH give estimates of the repulsion exponents for these mols. in the gaseous phase; the vals. are 3-9 for LiH and 4-8 for NaH, agreeing closely with the vals. 4-1 and 4-9 for the mols. in crystal form. A. B. 33. C.
Highly - attenuated flames of potassium vapour with halogens. M. K r o c s A k and G.
S ch a y (Z. physikal. Chem., 1932, B, 19, 344—3 6 5; cf. A., 1931, 282).— The light emission of the flames consists principally of (a) the red resonance doublet of K , (b) the second violet resonance doublet, and (c) a continuum which extends over almost all the visible spectrum. (a) originates in the gas space, chiefly by the primary reaction (1) K + X 2= K X + X (X =C 1 or Br), and.to a much smaller extent by the secondary gas reaction (2) K 2- f - X = K X + K . In (1) every collision leads to reaction, the effective cross- section exceeding the val. deduced from the gas theory, (b) results partly from (2) and partly, it is probable, from double excitations, (a) originates on the wall as a consequence of the secondary wall reaction K + X = K X . The flames have a relatively high conductivity, due to electrons which, together with K ions, are released from an adsorbed K film on the wall by a kind of chemical photo-effect. R. C.
Total radiation from heated carbon dioxide.
T. Dr e isc h (Z. Physik, 1932, 79, 710—721).— Between 300° and 900° the total radiation from C 02 is 7 -4 1 % that of black-body radiation.
A. B. D. C.
