Intuitive description of Cross Sections

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter haselwhat?
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cross
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts and mathematics of cross sections, particularly in the context of scattering in nuclear and particle physics. Participants seek references and explanations that cover both classical theory and specific applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests references for understanding cross sections, indicating interest in both theory and practical applications.
  • Another participant clarifies whether the inquiry pertains to scattering or absorption cross sections, specifically in nuclear and particle physics.
  • A participant expresses a desire to start with classical theory before delving into scattering.
  • One participant summarizes the Wikipedia article on cross sections, describing it as an "effective" area related to scattering, and provides a link to an additional resource they found useful.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to share an interest in understanding cross sections, but there is no consensus on specific references or the depth of theory to explore first.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific references or the preferred approach to learning about cross sections, leaving open questions about the best resources and foundational concepts.

haselwhat?
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Does anybody know of any good references that explain the concepts/mathematics behind cross sections particularly well? Websites, textbooks, whatever...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you mean scattering or absorption cross sections such as are used in nuclear and particle physics?
 
Yes, scattering. But I guess I'd like to read something about the classical theory first.
 
The Wikipedia article on ''cross section'' discusses some of the concepts regarding cross sections. Basically you can see it as some sort of ''effective'' area of the particle that is being scattered from. If the scattering particle gets within this ''effective'' area, there is a reaction. The Wiki article links among others to this page, which I found to be quite good: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/nuclear/crosec.html#c2
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Why is there such a difference between the total cross-section data? (simulation vs. experiment)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Calc Ampl & Cross Sec: Electron + Positron to Photon + Z Boson
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding Nuclear Fusion Cross Section Diagrams
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Interpretation of a cross section vs energy graph
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad The Maxwellian Averaged Cross Section
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Differential cross-sectional area - Rutherford's experiment
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Antiproton flux and cross-sections in antideuterium production
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School How Can Point Particles Have Cross Sections?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
Misc. Yarn cross-section and path length
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Nuclear Doppler broadening of resonances
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K