What can elastic e-p scattering tell us about the proton?

In summary, deep inelastic scattering reveals that the proton is made up of point-like particles, while elastic electron proton scattering with low energy suggests that the proton is a single structure. Additionally, this process provides information on the average charge radius squared, form factors, and meson cloud of the proton.
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I'm already aware that deep inelastic scattering, when an electron of high energy is scattered from a proton, shows us that the proton consists of point-like particles (quarks). However, what does elastic electron proton scattering tell us about the proton? Presumably elastic proton scattering is when the electron has low energy, so just recoils with energy/momentum conserved. And so it just suggests that the proton is a single structure. But I've been asked what information this process gives us about the proton structure. Does it tell us anything else?

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1. What is elastic e-p scattering?

Elastic e-p scattering is a type of particle interaction where an electron (e) and a proton (p) collide and scatter off each other without changing their identities. This means that the electron and proton remain as separate particles after the interaction, with the electron potentially changing direction and energy.

2. How does elastic e-p scattering work?

In elastic e-p scattering, the electron and proton interact through the exchange of a virtual photon, which carries the electromagnetic force between them. This interaction results in the exchange of energy and momentum between the two particles, causing them to scatter off each other.

3. What can elastic e-p scattering tell us about the proton's structure?

Elastic e-p scattering can provide information about the internal structure of the proton, specifically its charge and magnetic properties. By measuring the energy and angle of the scattered electron, scientists can infer the distribution of charge and magnetism within the proton.

4. How can elastic e-p scattering help us understand the strong force?

Elastic e-p scattering is also sensitive to the strong interaction between quarks inside the proton. By studying the scattering patterns, scientists can gain insight into the dynamics of the strong force and how it holds the proton together.

5. What are the applications of studying elastic e-p scattering?

Studying elastic e-p scattering can provide valuable information for various fields of research, such as nuclear physics, particle physics, and astrophysics. It can also help us understand the properties of other subatomic particles and the fundamental forces that govern our universe.

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