noun the action or process of spreading or dispersing something
adjective related to something that is spread out or dispersed
In environmental science, scattering of pollutants in the atmosphere or water can affect air quality or water quality, leading to dispersion and dilution of contaminants.
In astronomy, scattering can refer to the phenomenon where light is redirected or absorbed by particles in the atmosphere, leading to effects such as Rayleigh scattering or Mie scattering.
In physics, scattering refers to the process in which particles or waves are deflected or redirected by collisions or interactions with other particles or objects.
In materials science, scattering techniques such as X-ray scattering or neutron scattering are used to analyze the structure and properties of materials at the atomic or molecular level.
In acoustics, scattering refers to the reflection or diffusion of sound waves by surfaces or objects, affecting the propagation of sound in a given environment.
In the field of literature, 'scattering' can refer to the technique of scattering details throughout a story to create suspense or intrigue.
Psychologists may use the term 'scattering' to describe a pattern of results in a psychological assessment where scores are spread out across different areas, indicating a lack of consistency.
Physicists use 'scattering' to refer to the process by which particles or waves are deflected or deviated from their original path by collisions or interactions with other particles or fields.
Environmental scientists may use 'scattering' to describe the dispersion of pollutants or contaminants in the air, water, or soil, affecting the environment and ecosystems.