Convert Electron Cross Section (σₑ) to Sabin (sabin) instantly.
About these units
Electron Cross Section (σₑ)
The electron cross section, often denoted σₑ, is not a fixed unit but rather a physical area representing the effective interaction size of an electron in scattering experiments. It is typically expressed in barns or submultiples such as square femtometers (fm²). Electron cross sections are vital in quantum electrodynamics (QED), X-ray scattering, atomic physics, and materials science. These values describe how electrons interact with photons, atoms, or other electrons, determining phenomena such as absorption, conductivity, and radiation shielding. Because electron interactions are probabilistic, σₑ provides a statistical measure of likelihood rather than a physical surface, illustrating how area units are used conceptually at quantum scales.
Sabin (sabin)
A sabin is the acoustic unit of sound absorption area, equivalent to the absorption provided by one square foot of a perfectly absorbing surface. Unlike geometric area units, the sabin measures how much sound energy a surface absorbs rather than its physical size alone. Materials with partial absorption effectiveness—such as acoustic tiles or drapes—contribute fractional sabins depending on their absorption coefficient. Architects and acoustic engineers use sabins to design theaters, concert halls, classrooms, and workplaces. The unit translates directly into reverberation time calculations, making it a foundational concept in architectural acoustics.