Classical trajectory calculations have been performed for four potential en
ergy functions to describe Ar-CO2 collisions. A comparison is given between
classical cross sections calculated using the two most recent potential su
rfaces and two older intermolecular potential surfaces based on the electro
n gas model. The two-dimensional atom ellipsoid model has also been applied
for the study of multiple collisions. The model was able to predict such a
phenomenon in agreement with quantum scattering results previously publish
ed for an ab initio potential surface in the region of very low collision e
nergy. On the other hand, the two older potentials showed multiple collisio
n effects at very high energies. The comparison of the cross sections showe
d some deviations from the experimental data. By introducing two parameters
, a modified surface is proposed by changing the most recent intermolecular
potential. In this case the agreement with experimental measurements and t
heoretical scattering cross sections was considerably improved. It is concl
uded that global potential surfaces for describing Ar-CO2 interaction are n
ot well established. To achieve the requirement of reproducing all properti
es of this system, the present work suggests that one needs further experim
ental and theoretical investigations.