ABSTRACT

This chapter deals with quantal and semiclassical theory of heavy-particle and electron-atom collisions. Basic and useful formulae for cross sections, rates and associated quantities are presented. A consistent description of the mathematics and vocabulary of scattering is provided. Topics covered include collisions, rate coefficients, quantal transition rates and cross sections, Born cross sections, quantal potential scattering, collisions between identical particles, quantal inelastic heavy-particle collisions, electron-atom inelastic collisions, semiclassical inelastic scattering and long-range interactions.