Scattering of Gaussian wavepackets by impenetrable solenoids is studie
d using both analytical and numerical methods. A formula for the asymp
totic (t --> infinity) angular distribution of the scattered packet is
derived and used to discuss the physical meaning of cross sections, t
he optical theorem, and the classical limit. Angular distributions obt
ained from this formula are found to be in good agreement with angular
distributions calculated from numerical solutions of the Schrodinger
equation.