On trends in total cross sections for electron (positron) scattering on atoms and molecules at intermediate energies

An examination of total electron and positron scattering cross sections in a large variety of atoms and molecules reveals a trend related to ground state target dipole polarizability. Some correlations of total cross section with diamagnetic susceptibility and the number of target electrons have also been noted. Experimental positron and electron cross sections between 100 and 500 eV can be reasonably well described by a simple formula based on polarizability and energy correlation.