The simplest model of a scattering experiment is given by solving Schrödinger’s equation for a plane wave impinging on a localized potential. A potential V(r) might represent what a fast electron enc...The simplest model of a scattering experiment is given by solving Schrödinger’s equation for a plane wave impinging on a localized potential. A potential V(r) might represent what a fast electron encounters on striking an atom, or an alpha particle a nucleus. Obviously, representing any such system by a potential is only a beginning, but in certain energy ranges it is quite reasonable, and we have to start somewhere!
