The origin of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere is due to the reaction between nitrogen molecules and oxygen atoms formed by the photochemical dissociation of ozone in the atmosphere. The steady state of 5×${10}^{-7\mathrm{}}$ nitrous oxide in the atmosphere is due to the photochemical equilibrium between nitrous oxide formation and nitrous oxide decomposition, the latter in the upper atmosphere.

• Received 23 March 1954

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.95.320