Using microwave discharge, fast-flow system techniques coupled with resistance heating and monitoring of the reacting specimens, the true kinetics of metal atom removal for polycrystalline molybdenum and tungsten filaments attacked by atomic oxygen have been obtained in the nominal temperature range 1000~176 at oxygen atom pressures in the range 10 -3 to 5 x 10 -2 Torr. Under these conditions the oxides of molybdenum and tungsten essentially volatilize as rapidly as they are formed, leaving the metal surface vulnerable to direct oxygen atom attack at constant (time independent) rates. Reaction probabilities are found to be up to 140 times those for O.~ attacking the same surface, are independent of O-atom partial pressure, and exhibit a much weaker temperature dependence than those for 02. These observations are in accord with a Rideal-type mechanism in which O atoms from the gas phase strike chemisorbed oxygen, leading either to product formation and desorption, or surface-catalyzed oxygen atom recombination. ) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 129.81.226.78 Downloaded on 2014-10-07 to IP ) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 129.81.226.78 Downloaded on 2014-10-07 to IP ) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 129.81.226.78ABSTRACT Part of the phase diagram of the system Mn-O was determined in the temperature range 1100~176 and the range of oxygen partial pressure