Optical Theorem

The Optical Theorem is a principle in physics that relates how particles scatter to how they absorb or transmit energy. It states that the amount of scattering (deflection of particles) observed in a system is directly connected to the overall loss of particles or energy from the original beam. Essentially, by measuring how much particles change direction, scientists can determine the total probability of interactions happening, including absorption or other processes, without needing to see every detail of each interaction. It's a powerful way to understand the behavior of waves and particles in various physical systems.