Mott scattering

<p>In <a href="/facts/Physics/a7aH2y08">physics</a>, Mott scattering is elastic <a href="/facts/Electron_scattering/wA7Eh2oz">electron scattering</a> from nuclei. It is a form of <a href="/facts/Coulomb_scattering/pDrXNfmK">Coulomb scattering</a> that requires treatment of <a href="/facts/Spin%25E2%2580%2593orbit_interaction/Pv6maL1S">spin-coupling</a>. It is named after <a href="/facts/Nevill_Francis_Mott/r1xrUSDh">Nevill Francis Mott</a>, who first developed the theory in 1929. 
</p><p>Mott scattering is similar to <a href="/facts/Rutherford_Scattering/pDrXNfmK">Rutherford scattering</a> but <a href="/facts/Electrons/L0KBo5cW">electrons</a> are used instead of <a href="/facts/Alpha_particle/dzNMs9WP">alpha particles</a> as they do not interact via the <a href="/facts/Strong_interaction/JjRsKcLg">strong interaction</a> (only through <a href="/facts/Weak_interaction/f6upmKMs">weak interaction</a> and <a href="/facts/Electromagnetism/oAkmALHT">electromagnetism</a>), which enable electrons to penetrate the <a href="/facts/Atomic_nucleus/orpIm5Xl">atomic nucleus</a>, giving valuable insight into the <a href="/facts/Nuclear_structure/m13SoyNz">nuclear structure</a>.
</p>

Mott scattering open-in-new

Mott scattering