Scattering

Scattering is the phenomenon of waves and particles deviating from their original direction when they encounter irregularities on their way. Scattering of electromagnetic radiation in particular plays an important role in radiation protection, because the scattering object acts as a new source of radiation.

The ratio of the intensities of primary and scattered radiation, the so-called scattering factor, depends on the energy of the primary radiation, the scattering angle, and the size and material of the scattering surface. Scattered radiation has a lower energy than the primary radiation.

Related concepts

• bremsstrahlung
• characteristic radiation
• electromagnetic radiation
• frequency
• photon
• speed of light
• wavelength
• X-radiation