Inelastic scattering

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-005813",
  "term": "Inelastic scattering",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A scattering process in which the kinetic energy of the colliding particles is not conserved, meaning there is an exchange of energy between the translational motion and the internal degrees of freedom of the particles. This energy transfer can excite or de-excite the internal states of the particles. Examples include vibrational or rotational excitation during molecular collisions.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "degrees of freedom",
    "scattering"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 169 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/inelastic-scattering/"
}