Abstract
The Boltzmann equation is used to obtain an expression for nu (E0), the energy transferred to atomic motion by a fast atom of energy E0 as it slows down in a host medium. The power law cross-section is used and, for small values of E0/EL, an exact power series solution in E0/EL may be written down. For large E0/EL it is necessary to make certain analytical approximations which result in accurate values for nu (E0) over the complete energy range. Numerical values obtained from this formula agree well with the results of Lindhard and his co-workers (1963). The method based upon a solution obtained for the time-dependent radiation damage problem with electronic stopping.