Energy losses by nonionizing electrons

Simple formulas are obtained for calculating the rate of energy loss by nonionizing electrons as they are slowed down in dielectric media. It is shown that the energy losses are caused mainly by the excitation of molecular vibrations in the IR range. The dependence of the loss rate on the electron energy is calculated, along with the time and mean free path for slowing down of electrons in ordinary and heavy water. A significant difference is found in the energy loss rates in hydrogenous substances containing different isotopes of hydrogen