Surprisal analysis and synthesis for the F + H₂ reaction and its isotopic variants

A linear vibrational surprisal well represents the observed HF distribution at a given scattering angle. The surprisal parameter λ_v becomes more negative (or, equivalently, a higher fraction of the available energy is deposited in the vibration) as the scattering angle diminishes from backwards to sideways deflection. At a given angle, λ. is less negative as the collision energy increases. The observed HF rotational distribution is close to that expected in the absence of constraints. The angular distribution of the products is synthesised from the observed energy disposal.