Electron-energy-distribution functions and rates of processes in glow discharges in $\mathrm{H}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{H}_2 + \mathrm{Cl}_2$

An experimental investigation is made of the spatial variation of the electron-energy-distribution function, the rate of diffusion losses of charged particles, the dissociation rate, and the electron density in a glow discharge of hydrogen and of mixtures of hydrogen and water and of hydrogen and chlorine. The rates of electron impact processes are calculated. The calculated values are compared with experiment. It is shown that the change in the plasma properties and in the rates of processes when water vapor is added is due to a change in electron diffusion.