150
DOC.
12
THERMODYNAMIC DEDUCTION
Let
us
also draw attention
to
a
particularity
that
is
of fundamental
importance.
As
a point
of
departure,
we
have assumed that the
absorbing
molecule has
a
finite
sensitivity
domain
(V1
-
v2).
In
(4), v
denotes
an
arbitrary frequency
in that
domain,
and the
photochemical activity
of this
frequency
v
has been examined
by subjecting
it
to
a
virtual
displacement.
Thus,
it follows from
(4)
that the
energy 8
absorbed
during
the
decomposition
of
one gram-molecule
of the
gas
under consideration is
by
no means a
quantity
characteristic for the
absorption mechanism,
but that this
[11] quantity e depends only
on
the
frequency
of the
acting
radiation.
This
consequence
can
also be
deduced
from
the
light quantum hypothesis;
but
because,
for well-known
reasons, one
must
proceed
with
great prudence
and
even
mistrust when
using
this
hypothesis,
it
seems
to
me
important
that this
consequence
be established
on a more
solid basis. A verification of this
result,
whether
by
means
[12]
of
light
radiation
or
by
means
of
Röntgen rays,
would be desirable.