Articles you may be interested inA critical comparison of time dependent models for gas-surface sticking J. Chem. Phys. 98, 9905 (1993); 10.1063/1.464370 Spikes in the sticking probability of light gas particles on solid surfacesThe role of internal molecular modes in the determination of gas/solid-surface sticking probabilities is examined. It is found that, at least for low-frequency modes, internal excitation can appreciably inhibit sticking. A simple, phenomenological model of this effect is developed.