Question

Given that the angle of scattering is 2tan−1(a/2b), where “a” is the least possible distance of approach, and b is the impact parameter. Calculate what fraction of a beam of 0.5 MeV deuterons will be scattered through more than 90◦ by a foil of thickness 10−5 cm of a metal of density 5gcm−3 atomic weight 100 and atomic number 50.

Answer 1

Therefore, Mean free path λ = 1/Σ = 0.2cm

Fraction of scattered particles = Probability of scattering through more than 900 is t/λ = 10−5/0.2 = 5 × 10−5.