Neutron Scattering: Why Hydrogen is Negative

In summary, the conversation discusses the reason for hydrogen having negative neutron scattering while deuterium and other atoms have positive scattering. The explanation is that the spin-spin interaction is stronger than the S-wave interaction in np scattering, leading to a phase shift. This is supported by a reference that describes the calculation of the cross section.
  • #1
nittopuran
1
0
A very simple question, but needs to know proper explanation. Why the neutron scattering from hydrogen is negative while deuterium and almost all other atom has positive scattering?
 
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  • #2
What quantity are you saying is positive or negative?
 
  • #3
I don't even know what "negative scattering" could possibly mean. I think you may have a language issue.
 
  • #4
He means negative scattering length. According to http://mightylib.mit.edu/Course%20Materials/22.101/Fall%202004/Notes/Part3.pdf the spin-spin part of the interaction is stronger than the S-wave interaction for np scattering. Presumably this leads to the phase shift, though the reference only describes the calculation of the cross section.
 
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1. What is neutron scattering?

Neutron scattering is a scientific technique used to study the structure and dynamics of materials on the atomic scale. It involves directing a beam of neutrons at a sample and analyzing the way the neutrons are scattered by the atoms in the sample.

2. Why is hydrogen considered negative in neutron scattering?

Hydrogen is considered negative in neutron scattering because it has a high scattering cross-section for neutrons. This means that a large number of neutrons are scattered by hydrogen atoms in a sample, making it easier to detect and study their positions and movements.

3. How does neutron scattering help us understand hydrogen in materials?

Neutron scattering allows scientists to determine the position and movement of hydrogen atoms in a material, which is crucial for understanding the properties and behavior of the material. This is especially important in fields such as materials science, where hydrogen plays a critical role in processes like hydrogen storage and fuel cells.

4. What types of materials can be studied using neutron scattering?

Neutron scattering can be used to study a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and biological materials. It is particularly useful for studying materials with light elements like hydrogen, as these elements may be difficult to detect using other techniques.

5. How does neutron scattering differ from other techniques like X-ray diffraction?

Neutron scattering differs from X-ray diffraction in that it provides information about the positions and movements of atoms in a material, rather than just their arrangement. Neutron scattering is also better suited for studying materials with light elements like hydrogen, while X-ray diffraction is more commonly used for heavier elements.

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