Difference between elastic and coherent scattering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between coherent and elastic scattering, exploring definitions and conceptual understandings of these terms. Participants are seeking clarity on the implications of energy loss and wavelength consistency in scattering processes.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that elastic scattering implies no loss of energy, while coherent scattering suggests that the wavelength remains unchanged before and after scattering.
  • Others express confusion over existing explanations found online, indicating that they are difficult to understand.
  • A participant requests links to resources that clarify the concepts and expresses a desire for book recommendations to study the definitions further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for clarification regarding the definitions of coherent and elastic scattering, but there is no consensus on the precise distinctions or the adequacy of available resources.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention that their research materials are in Italian, which may limit their accessibility and understanding. There are also references to specific articles and Wikipedia pages that may not fully address the participants' questions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking to understand the nuances between coherent and elastic scattering, particularly students or researchers in physics or related fields looking for foundational definitions and resources.

Gennaro
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Hi everyone! What is the difference between coherent and elastic scattering. Maybe the elastic scattering implies that there is not loss of energy, whereas the coherent scattering implies that the wavelength of a ray (or rays) is the same before and after the scattering?

Thank you in advance.
 
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Gennaro said:
Hi everyone! What is the difference between coherent and elastic scattering. Maybe the elastic scattering implies that there is not loss of energy, whereas the coherent scattering implies that the wavelength of a ray (or rays) is the same before and after the scattering?

Thank you in advance.
Welcome to the PF.

What have you found so far by using Google or perhaps Wikipedia? :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

What have you found so far by using Google or perhaps Wikipedia? :smile:
Hi Berkemar, I found only confuse or difficult explanations.
 
Gennaro said:
Hi Berkemar, I found only confuse or difficult explanations.
Can you post a link or two to what you have found, and let us know what is confusing about it? Thanks. :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Does this article help?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scattering
I had seen this page. If possible, I'd like to ask you to suggest to me books on which I can study these definitions.
Thank you for your help.
 

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