Nuclear (π,p) Reaction is Consistent with a2NAbsorption Process

We show that the rapidity analysis of ($\pi$,$p$) inclusive data on nuclei measures not only the number of nucleons coherently involved in pion absorption, but also the mean momentum loss due to incoherent multiple scattering. We use a statistical theory to calculate the mean momentum loss, also reproducing the inelastic and absorption cross sections. The ($\pi$,$p$) rapidity data can be reproduced with a $2N$ absorption mechanism, but not with larger clusters, in contrast to earlier analysis which neglected multiple scattering before absorption.