# High energy electron scattering and proof of nucleus structure

#### insentive

Hey all,

I am currently revising for my Physics mock but i can't get my head around high energy electron scattering, and the proof this provides for the size of the nucleus.

I have read from a variety of texts and some of the links on here but these have lead me to become even more confused! I would really appreciate if someone could explain the basics in laymans terms for me

Related High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics News on Phys.org

#### marlon

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#### Gokul43201

Staff Emeritus
Gold Member
Perhaps the scattering cross-section?

#### marlon

Perhaps the scattering cross-section?
That would make more sense.

marlon

#### insentive

Hey

Sorry I wasn't specific enough, I meant to say the cross section size of the nucleus

#### Gokul43201

Staff Emeritus
Gold Member
Hey all,

I am currently revising for my Physics mock ...
It would help to know what level this is at (high school, college, etc.) and in which country. Please provide as much context as reasonably possible.

#### Edgardo

Here's some information on electron scattering (also called "Mott scattering"):
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/elescat.html

If you scatter electrons at nuclei, the cross section will look like the one from the Rutherford scattering but multiplied with a factor

$$1- \beta^2 \rm{sin}^2 (\theta/2)$$

with

$$\beta = v/c$$
$$\theta$$: scattering angle

The factor has something to do with the spin of the electron.

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