Rutherford scattering. An incident particle of charge q1 and kinetic energy E scatters off...

Rutherford scattering. An incident particle of charge q1 and kinetic energy E scatters off a heavy stationary particle of charge q2.

(a) Derive the formula relating the impact parameter to the scattering angle.

 Answer: b = (q1q2/8π∑0E) cot(θ/2).

(a) Determine the differential scattering cross-section. Answer:

(c) Show that the total cross-section for Rutherford scattering is infinite. We say that the 1/r potential has "infinite range"; you can't escape from a Coulomb force.