Abstract
The scattering of x-rays according to the classical theory from a bound electron of natural frequency νq is first considered. Then Z electrons with various νq's are assembled into an atom and the scattering from the atom studied. The scattered rays are separated into coherent and incoherent parts by a study of the interference between the scattered rays from two similar atoms. From this Scoh and Sincoh are obtained for the atom. Kramers, Kallmann and Mark's idea of virtual oscillators is used so that Scoh and Sincoh are averaged for the distribution of oscillators. The λ3 absorption law suggests either 2νK2νq3dνq or 4λK4λq3dλq as the fraction of oscillators with frequencies between νq and νq+dνq or with wave-lengths between λq and λq+dλq. In determining the averages it makes a difference which distribution is used. The theory gives Scoh=(fΔf)2×(1e2M)Z, where Δf is the atomic structure factor decrement and e2M the Debye-Waller temperature factor. Also the theory gives Sincoh=1(1Z)ΣEr2+Y, where Y is negligible for λ>λK but is quite large for λ<λK. Its size when λ<λK suggests that Y is the classical analog of the energy which goes into the K fluorescent rays. Since these rays are removed by absorption in aluminum in experiments on diffuse scattering, Y is omitted in Sincoh. Finally S=Scoh+Sincoh{1+(hmc) versφ}3. Hönl's theoretical value of Δf=2.3 is compared with McNatt's experimental value 2.5 for Cu Kα x-rays scattered by zinc.