In high Z (atomic number) materials, how do high energy electrons scatter?

High-energy electrons scatter more than low-energy electrons in high Z (atomic number) materials due to several factors related to their interactions with atomic nuclei. As the energy of electrons increases, they possess more kinetic energy, which allows them to penetrate deeper into materials. However, the high atomic number of the material results in a denser electron cloud surrounding the nuclei. When the high-energy electrons encounter these nuclei, they experience significant scattering events due to their interactions with the electric fields of the protons in the nuclei.

Additionally, high-Z materials have a greater number of electrons per unit volume compared to low-Z materials, leading to an increased probability of scattering as electrons collide with these electrons. The scattering process becomes more pronounced with high-energy electrons because the increased energy allows them to deviate more significantly from their original trajectory upon interaction.

In contrast, low-energy electrons are more likely to undergo smaller scattering angles and may be absorbed more quickly by the material, leading to less overall scattering. Therefore, the scattering characteristics of high-energy electrons in high Z materials manifest as more frequent and pronounced scattering events compared to their low-energy counterparts.