Impact parameters

[nolanp2]

Main Question or Discussion Point

can anyone tell me what the impact parameter represents in a simple scattering of particles?

 

[cesiumfrog]

whether you hit the particle dead center, or some distance from dead center (as to glance, or miss even).

 

[Meir Achuz]

can anyone tell me what the impact parameter represents in a simple scattering of particles?

The impact parameter is the distance of closest approach to the scattering center you would have if there were no scattering.