
%0 Journal Article
%A IH Hall, Barbara 
%T The Diffusion of Slow Electrons in Deuterium
%J Australian Journal of Physics
%D 1955/12/01
%V 8
%N 4
%P 468-473
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/PH550468
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/PH550468 
%X The agitational energies and drift velocities of slow electrons diffusing in deuterium are measured as a function of the ratio Z/p of the electric field strength Z to the gas pressure p. The lateral spread of the diffusing electron stream is measured, which enables Townsend's energy coefficient to be calculated. Drift velocities are measured using a magnetic deflection method. On the basis of the kinetic theory of gases these measurements are used to calculate values for the mean free path L of the electrons at unit pressure, the mean proportion &#951; of the energy lost by an electron in a collision with a deuterium molecule, and the collisional cross section A of the molecules in collisions with the electrons. The values obtained are compared with those of Crompton and Sutton (1952) for hydrogen. 
