Atomic Scattering Simulates Molecular Beam Scattering Experiments on the
Macintosh

Physics Academic Software Releases ATOMIC SCATTERING

November 20, 1992--ATOMIC SCATTERING shows the motion of two atomic
particles interacting through central force potentials, including Pauli
repulsion and van der Waals, inductive, or Coulombic attraction. It
simulates the molecular beam scattering experiments used to probe
interatomic potentials and demonstrates physical phenomena such as rainbow
scattering, glory scattering, and Rutherford scattering.

Developed by Daniel Lacks, Harvard University, ATOMIC SCATTERING enables
you to study the physical interaction between atoms and molecules by
simulating classical scattering experiments on the computer screen. Unlike
textbooks and lectures, the program allows you to actually see the motion
and to examine the effects of changes in the parameters and initial
conditions on the behavior of the system.

"Interactions of atomic particles are the underlying reason for many
important physical phenomena, such as the deviations from ideal behavior
of gases, the formation of liquids and solids, heat transfer, and the
viscosity of fluids," says Lacks. "ATOMIC SCATTERING demonstrates many
important aspects of these interactions."

Some of the issues explored by ATOMIC SCATTERING include how the attractive
and repulsive parts of the potential affect the motion of atomic
particles; how the velocities of the particles change with particle
separation so as to conserve total energy; and how the outcome of a
scattering event depends on the impact parameter and the initial energy.

ATOMIC SCATTERING is ideal for courses in molecular physics, physical
chemistry, and classical mechanics. You can choose the initial conditions,
vary the physical parameters, and view the simulation in different
coordinate frames. You can observe both bound and unbound states and
display the trajectory in a variety of ways, including in real-space,
center-of-mass, or relative coordinates, or as motion of the radial
coordinate in an effective potential.

Reviewer response to ATOMIC SCATTERING has been favorable. "It is an
important teaching tool," says David Nairns, Temple University. "The
examples are helpful and the physics is good." Perry Rice, Miami
University, calls ATOMIC SCATTERING "A powerful visualization tool."

ATOMIC SCATTERING is published and distributed by Physics Academic
Software, which is a project of the American Institute of Physics in
cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American
Association of Physics Teachers as part of a continuing series of
educational software from PAS.

ATOMIC SCATTERING operates on any Macintosh Plus computer or later with
finder version 6.0 or higher and system software version 6.0 or higher. A
printer is recommended.

ATOMIC SCATTERING may be purchased from Physics Academic Software for
$24.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling for the first package ($7.50
foreign) and $.75 for each additional package. Lab Packs, which include
ten copies of the software and one User's Manual, are available for
$99.95.

For a limited time, you can purchase the entire PAS collection, with or
without Lab Packs, and save up to 33% off the regular price. Physics
Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee by providing a full refund
for packages returned within 30 days.

PAS also offers a Standing Order Plan, which brings the latest in
innovative physics courseware to your door, along with exceptional
savings. When you join the Standing Order Plan, you will automatically
receive each new PAS program, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to
33% off the list price.

Orders and requests for a free catalog of all Physics Academic Software
titles should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box
8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By
telephone, call (800) 955-TASL or (919) 515-7447; FAX (919) 515-2682.

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