inelastic scattering

physics

Also known as: inelastic neutron scattering

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June 29, 2026

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In physics, inelastic scattering occurs when particles collide, and their total kinetic energy changes. This change happens because some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or radiation, during the collision. This is in contrast to elastic scattering, where the total kinetic energy of the colliding particles remains the same. In an elastic collision, none of the kinetic energy is lost, while in an inelastic collision, there is a loss of kinetic energy.1234

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Bertram N. Brockhouse
…a variant technique known as inelastic neutron scattering, in which the relative energies of the scattered neutrons are measured to yield additional data. He used inelastic neutron scattering in his pioneering examination of phonons, which are units of the lattice vibrational energy expended by the scattered neutrons. He also developed…
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…a variant technique known as inelastic neutron scattering, in which the relative energies of the scattered neutrons are measured to yield additional data. He used inelastic neutron scattering in his pioneering examination of phonons, which are units of the lattice vibrational energy expended by the scattered neutrons. He also developed…
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radiation
Cross section and Compton scattering
…energy of (hν ⋜ mc²), inelastic (i.e., energy loss) scatterings begin to appear. One such is Compton scattering, in which an X ray or gamma ray (electromagnetic radiation from an atomic nucleus) experiences an increase in wavelength (reduction in energy) after being scattered through an angle. Arthur Holly Compton, an…
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…energy of (hν ⋜ mc²), inelastic (i.e., energy loss) scatterings begin to appear. One such is Compton scattering, in which an X ray or gamma ray (electromagnetic radiation from an atomic nucleus) experiences an increase in wavelength (reduction in energy) after being scattered through an angle. Arthur Holly Compton, an…
Read More