Difference between effective area and actual area

In summary, the Total Collisional Cross-Section refers to the effective area that a target provides to an incoming projectile, normal to the direction of incidence. The difference between effective area and actual area lies in the fact that effective area takes into account the effects of the fields that the target acts as a source for, resulting in a larger collisional cross-section. Actual area is simply the physical space occupied by the target.
  • #1
blueyellow
it is said that the Total Collisional Cross-Section is the effective
area, normal to the direction of incidence, provided by a
target to an incoming projectile.

what is the difference between effective area and actual area?
 
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  • #2
The actual area is what you'd compute by considering the actual region of space that the target occupies. So for a bare nucleus, this might be on order of ten femtometers. The effective area includes the effects of the fields that the target acts as a source for. An incoming projectile will usually encounter the effects of such fields well before it gets very close to the target, so the effective area for collisions is larger than the actual area.
 

Related to Difference between effective area and actual area

What is the difference between effective area and actual area?

The effective area refers to the area of a surface that is actually utilized for a specific purpose, while the actual area is the total surface area of an object without taking into account any factors that may affect its use.

How does effective area differ from actual area in terms of measurement?

The measurement of effective area takes into consideration any obstructions or limitations that may affect the functionality of a surface, while the measurement of actual area does not account for these factors.

What factors can affect the effective area of a surface?

Some factors that can affect the effective area of a surface include the shape, size, and placement of the object, as well as any environmental conditions such as temperature or pressure.

Why is it important to understand the difference between effective area and actual area?

Understanding the difference between effective area and actual area is important because it allows for more accurate and efficient use of resources. By knowing the effective area, one can ensure that only the necessary amount of resources and materials are used for a specific purpose.

Can the effective area of a surface change?

Yes, the effective area of a surface can change depending on the conditions and factors that may affect it. For example, a surface may have a different effective area in a high-pressure environment compared to a low-pressure environment.

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