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asdf1
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Why are electrons elastically scattered at very small angles but not large angles?
Does "elastic" in this context mean the electron retains its energy during the scattering event, but loses significant energy at large angles? This could be nothing more than an issue of momentum transfer. In a glancing collision with a stationary object the electron retains most of its initial momentum. In a more head on collision, the electron transfers a lot more momentum to the target, so the target acquires more momentum and thus more energy.asdf1 said:Why are electrons elastically scattered at very small angles but not large angles?
It depends on what energy you are talking about. In a head on collision of two billiard balls (neglecting rotation and friction effects) the cue ball stops and the target ball moves off with the velocity the cue ball had before impact. We call this an elastic collision because the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved. But the cue ball loses all its energy. If two things collide and stick together, we call that an inelastic collision because a lot of the initial kinetic energy is converted into some other form of energy. This does not mean that energy was lost in the process. It just means that some kinetic energy has been converted into some other form of energy.asdf1 said:That makes sense. Then why is it okay in general physics to assume that a head on collision doesn't lose energy?
Small angle scattering is a technique used in materials science, chemistry, and biology to study the structure of materials at the nanoscale level. It involves directing a beam of particles, such as electrons, at a sample and analyzing the scattered particles to gather information about the size, shape, and arrangement of the sample's particles.
Electrons are commonly used in small angle scattering experiments due to their small wavelength, which allows for high resolution imaging of small particles. Other particles that can be used include X-rays, neutrons, and light.
In small angle scattering experiments, a beam of particles is directed at a sample at a specific angle, usually between 1-10 degrees. The scattered particles are then detected and analyzed to determine the position and intensity of the scattered radiation, which can provide information about the size and shape of the sample's particles.
Electrons have a smaller wavelength compared to other particles, such as X-rays or light, which allows for higher resolution imaging of smaller particles. They also interact strongly with matter, making them ideal for studying the structure of materials at the nanoscale level.
Small angle scattering has a wide range of applications, including studying the structure of polymers, proteins, and other biomolecules, as well as the structure of materials in nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. It is also used in quality control and characterization of materials in industrial settings.