  Very low-energy scattering of orthopositronium by helium has been
investigated for simultaneous study of elastic cross section and pick-off
quenching rate using a model exchange potential. The present calculational
scheme, while agrees with the measured cross section of Skalsey et al,
reproduces successfully the parameter $^ 1Z_{\makebox{eff}}$, the effective
number of electrons per atom in a singlet state relative to the positron.
Together with the fact that this model potential also leads to an agreement
with measured medium energy cross sections of this system, this study seems to
resolve the long-standing discrepancy at low energies among different
theoretical calculations and experimental measurements.

Atomic and Molecular Clusters;Condensed Matter;Nuclear Theory;Atomic Physics;Chemical Physics