THE REDUCTION OF CERIC SULPHATE SOLUTIONS BY IONIZING RADIATION

Abstract

The yield of cerous ions formed in the reduction of ceric ion in sulphuric acid solutions by X and γ-radiation is independent of cerous and ceric ion concentration, the energy of the radiation, the rate of energy absorption over a wide range, the acid concentration, and the presence of oxygen. A small negative temperature coefficient has been observed. The over-all stoichiometric equation is[Formula: see text]Hydroxyl radicals postulated to be produced by the radiation form water and oxygen gas. The lower limit of concentration independence is below 2 × 10−6 moles per liter.