Scattering: Collisions in 2D and 3D

Claimed by: Andreas Ward

The Main Idea

Unlike normal collisions, atomic and nuclear collisions are far too small to observe the curving trajectories of the interacting particles. The only thing that can be noticed is the initial and final states of the interaction. Scattering experiments are incorporated in the world of collisions to be able to study the minute details (structure) of atoms, nuclei, and other tiny particles as the interact with one another.

A Mathematical Model

What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

A Computational Model

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Example

The collision of an alpha particle (helium nucleus) with the nucleus of a gold atom

File:File:ImpactParameter.png

Connectedness

1. How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
2. How is it connected to your major?
3. Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

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See also

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Further reading

Matter and Interactions, Volume I: Modern Mechanics, 4th Edition. (Chapter 10.6)

External links

[1]

References

Chabay, Ruth W., Bruce Sherwood. Matter and Interactions, Volume I: Modern Mechanics, 4th Edition. Wiley, 19/2014.