  Background: The study of np and pp scattering, central to understanding
nuclear force, remains an optional topic in many undergraduate nuclear physics
curriculum. Purpose: The main thrust of this paper is to study pp scattering
using the phase function method to obtain the observed S-wave phase shifts and
cross-sections at various energies. Methods: The pp interaction has been
modeled by choosing the Malfliet-Tjon potential for the nuclear part along with
the screened Coulomb potential. The phase equation has been solved to obtain
scattering phase shifts using the fourth-order RK method (RK-4). Results: The
interaction potential obtained from optimized parameters matches well with the
realistic Argonne V18 potential for 1S0 state of pp scattering and the
scattering phase shifts as well as the cross-section for energies ranging from
1-350 MeV are in good agreement with expected data. Conclusion: Introducing the
phase function method for S-wave (l=0) could bring this interesting study of
nucleon-nucleon scattering to the undergraduate classroom.
