What does the impact parameter represent in particle scattering?

nolanp2 · Feb 12, 2007

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

cesiumfrog · Feb 12, 2007

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

Meir Achuz · Feb 13, 2007

nolanp2 said:

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.

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