# Probability of neutrino-electron scattering

## Homework Statement

Ok, I'm given a formula for the cross section of the scattering and I've been told that the detector is a column of water of depth 10m. I need to find the probability of the scattering within the detector.

## Homework Equations

σ = E(in MeV) x 1.5x10-44 cm2

## The Attempt at a Solution

I know the cross section is actually a probability in particle physics, but I just don't see how to use the depth of the detector.
A ratio, maybe?

vela
Staff Emeritus
Homework Helper
The cross section is a measure of the likelihood (not a probability strictly speaking) that one electron and one neutrino will interact. When the neutrino goes through the column of water, it will encounter many electrons, and each time, there's a chance it will scatter. You need to sum the probabilities of all those encounters to find the total probability of scattering within the detector.

Yeah, that's what I thought, but I am confused about how to find the total probability.
An integral or what?

vela
Staff Emeritus