Question

what is impact parameter

Answer 1

The impact parameter  is defined as the perpendicular distance between the path of a projectile and the center of the field created by an object that the projectile is approaching (see diagram). It is often referred to in Nuclear Physics , as well as in Classical Mechanics.

The impact parameter is related to the scattering angle  by[1]



where  is the velocity of the projectile when it is far from the center, and  is its closest distance from the center.



Impact parameter b and scattering angle θ.

Answer 2

the Impact Parameter is defined as the perpendicular distance between the path of a projectile and the centre of a potential field created by an object that is projectile is approaching . it is often referred to in nuclear physics and in a classical machines .