Simplified models of collision processes are introduced which make possible closed‐form analyses of electron distributions in molecular gases. In particular, models are considered that approximate the collision processes in a diatomic gas and in a gas mixture resembling the He : N2: CO2laser. Expressions are obtained for the rates of excitation of the vibrational modes which include the effect of superelastic collisions. The results are illustrated by evaluating theV‐Icharacteristic and the efficiency of anE‐beam CO2laser.