Experimental and theoretical studies of small‐angle electron scattering by the water molecule

The total (elastic plus inelastic) intensities of 51 keV electrons scattered by water molecules have been measured over a range of 1 ≦ K = (4π/λ) sin(θ/2) ≦ 12 A−1. A computer program, ELIC, has been written for calculating the total intensities of electrons scattered by free molecules. The intensities can be calculated with self-consistent field and configuration interaction wavefunctions. The theoretical intensities based on a CI wavefunction are in good agreement with the observed intensities.