Remarks on the scattering of electrons by atomic fields

Abstract

It is shown that, by use of the Thomas-Fermi atom, effective scattering cross-sections may be obtained from a single curve for all atoms (provided that the atomic number is not too small). This curve is calculated. The range of validity of such values has been obtained and Born's formula shown to be inaccurate for representing the scattering of electrons with velocities less than 400 volts except by atoms of very low atomic number. For the case of high velocities an approximate expression is obtained for the angular distribution allowing for screening by the extra-nuclear electrons.