Angular Scattering of Electrons in Helium, Neon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen

Abstract

An attempt has been made to investigate in a qualitative way the angular distribution of electrons scattered by a gas. The gases which were used were helium, neon, hydrogen and nitrogen. The energy of the primary beam of electrons varied from 75 to 300 equivalent volts. It was found that those electrons which were scattered elastically were deflected in general through only a few degrees. In helium less than one-thousandth of the 200 volt electrons were scattered through 15°. Electrons which had sustained an exciting collision were scattered through slightly larger angles. Evidence of electrons which had suffered two inelastic collisions was obtained, these were distributed through still larger angles. A general tendency for slower electrons to be scattered through larger angles was observable.