How do high energy electrons scatter in comparison to low energy electrons?

Prepare for the Medical Dosimetry Certification Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ensure your success by studying key topics covered in the exam!

High-energy electrons scatter less than low-energy electrons due to their greater momentum and energy, which allow them to penetrate materials more effectively. When high-energy electrons interact with matter, they are less affected by Coulombic forces from atomic electrons and nuclei compared to low-energy electrons. As a result, high-energy electrons travel deeper and tend to maintain a more direct path, leading to reduced scattering.

On the other hand, low-energy electrons have lower momentum and are more prone to deflection from their initial trajectories due to interactions with the surrounding medium, which causes increased scattering. Thus, the characteristic behavior of high-energy electrons in terms of their interaction with matter is that they exhibit less scattering compared to their low-energy counterparts.

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