Ramsauer-Townsend Effect Calculator: De Broglie Wavelength & Electron Scattering

The Ramsauer-Townsend effect describes a quantum phenomenon where low-energy electrons scatter anomalously by certain atoms, exhibiting a minimum scattering cross-section. This calculator helps understand a crucial condition: when the electron's de Broglie wavelength (λ) is comparable to the atomic diameter (d).

Electron De Broglie Wavelength (λ):

λ = h / √(2m_eE_k)

Where:

• λ = De Broglie Wavelength (nm)
• h = Planck's Constant (6.626 x 10^-34 J·s)
• m_e = Electron Mass (9.109 x 10^-31 kg)
• E_k = Electron Kinetic Energy (J)

For practical calculations with E_k in electron-volts (eV), the formula simplifies to:

λ (nm) ≈ 1.226 / √E_k (eV)

Scattering Ratio:

Ratio = λ / d

Where:

• λ = Electron De Broglie Wavelength (nm)
• d = Atomic Diameter (nm)

The Ramsauer-Townsend effect is typically observed when the ratio λ/d is close to unity.