Question

Would neutron scattering or electromagnetic wave scattering (using X-rays or light) be more appropriate for investigating the scattering cross section of an atom as a whole? Which would be more appropriate for investigating the cross section of a nucleus of an atom? Which result will depend on \(Z\), the atomic number?

Short answer

Answer: Electromagnetic wave scattering (using X-rays or light) is more appropriate when investigating the cross-section of an atom as a whole. The result that will depend on the atomic number Z is the electromagnetic wave scattering.

Step-by-step solution

Understand different scattering methods

Neutron scattering and electromagnetic wave scattering are two techniques to study the structure and properties of materials. In neutron scattering, a beam of neutrons is used to investigate the sample, while in electromagnetic wave scattering, X-rays or light waves are used for the investigation.

Comparing scattering methods for an atom as a whole

When studying the scattering cross-section of an atom as a whole, electromagnetic wave scattering (using X-rays or light) is more appropriate. This is because the electrons surrounding the nucleus interact strongly with electromagnetic waves. As X-rays and light waves are also electromagnetic, they can provide comprehensive information about the entire atom, including its electronic structure.

Comparing scattering methods for a nucleus of an atom

When investigating the cross-section of a nucleus of an atom, neutron scattering is more appropriate. The reason is that neutrons, being neutral particles, interact primarily with atomic nuclei through the strong nuclear force. As a result, neutron scattering can provide more detailed information about the nuclear structure and properties, without being affected by the electrons surrounding the nucleus.

Dependence on atomic number Z

The result that will depend on \(Z\), the atomic number, is the electromagnetic wave scattering (using X-rays or light). The reason is that the atomic number \(Z\) represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, and thus also the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus. Since electromagnetic waves interact with electrons, the scattering cross-section and the resulting data will strongly depend on the atomic number \(Z\). In contrast, neutron scattering depends mainly on the nuclear structure and is not directly related to the atomic number \(Z\).