Rate coefficients for NO formation in energetic N+O2 collisions

The reaction of energetic N atoms with O2 is an important source of ro-vibrationally excited NO in the thermosphere. Cross-sections and rate coefficients are calculated using a quantum–classical approach and comparison is made with earlier calculations and with experimental data. Good agreement is obtained with previous theoretical calculations. Satisfactory agreement with experiment is obtained for the thermal rate coefficients at temperatures above 2000 K but the data at lower temperatures suggest that modifications are needed in the details of the potential energy surface of 2A′ symmetry.