# High energy electron scattering and proof of nucleus structure

1. Dec 27, 2006

### 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

Thanks for all your help

2. Dec 27, 2006

### marlon

The size of the nucleus, what do you mean by that ?

regards
marlon

edit : http://web.mit.edu/spectroscopy/history/history-quantum.html

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 22, 2017
3. Dec 27, 2006

### Gokul43201

Staff Emeritus
Perhaps the scattering cross-section?

4. Dec 27, 2006

### marlon

That would make more sense.

marlon

5. Dec 27, 2006

### insentive

Hey

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

Thanks for your help

6. Dec 27, 2006

### Gokul43201

Staff Emeritus
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.

7. Dec 27, 2006

### 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.

Last edited: Dec 27, 2006
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