inelastic scattering

noun

: a scattering of particles as the result of inelastic collision in which the total kinetic energy of the colliding particles changes

Examples of inelastic scattering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The production of lambda particles by semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering was observed. Will Stephenson, Harper's Magazine, 16 Aug. 2023 In this way, the electron energy sets the maximum resolving power of a deep inelastic scattering experiment. Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2022 The electrons were hitting the proton hard enough to shatter it — a process called deep inelastic scattering — and were rebounding from point-like shards of the proton called quarks. Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2022 These deep inelastic scattering experiments showed, experimentally, that there were indeed individual structures inside the proton, and that individual fundamental particles (like electrons) would scatter off of them in different ways. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2021 Then the accelerator was used to perform what is called deep inelastic scattering, in which electrons bombard protons and neutrons. Dylan Loeb McClain, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inelastic scattering was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near inelastic scattering

Cite this Entry

“Inelastic scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inelastic%20scattering. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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