On the Reaction Order of Bimolecular Recovery Processes in Solids

A general expression is derived for calculating the reaction order of recovery processes when rate equation is known. This expression is independent of the rate constant but is completely determined by the relative concentration of the defects. On the basis of this expression the reaction orders of some bimolecular recovery processes are discussed as a function of defect concentrations, the ratio of the initial concentrations and the capture radius. It is shown that, unless rather severe conditions are fulfilled, the reaction order may vary over a wide range of values, even in cases where the application of some widely‐used methods would indicate an apparently constant reaction order.