I was just looking over the documentation and I saw something that does not make sense. In the step 1 triggering process it is claimed that the separation of diatomic hydrogen into individual atoms is an endothermic process. There is a discussion where it is said that this is done electrically so I wonder why the temperature takes such a large dip during this period? I also observe that the reference unit shows a drop during this region of triggering although less apparent.
Are we to assume that energy is also being withdrawn from the interior of the chamber to separate the hydrogen molecules? And one might also ask if there is reason to think that the pressure of the new gas mixture is reduced as well to contribute to the energy requirement? The document states that the reference curve is of a device that does not have nickel powder installed. Are the other ingredients present? It makes me wonder about the behavior of the potassium in this situation. This might be a strange question, but if one takes hydrogen gas and ionizes it completely so that you only have a proton and a free electron, does the proton tend to be attracted to the conductive walls of the chamber and become absorbed? Of course the same question arises about the electrons that are now freed. I ask this question as I seek an explanation for the missing temperature while the device is being triggered. Dave
