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 Å−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.