Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 9-46

Motion in a Noninertial Reference Frame — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · scattering-cross-section

Problem

Calculate the differential cross section

\sigma(\theta)

and the total cross section

\sigma_t

for the elastic scattering of a particle from an impenetrable sphere; the potential is given by

U(r) = \begin{cases} 0, & r > a \\ \infty, & r < a \end{cases}