Speed of electron after collision with Photon

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of an electron's velocity after a collision with a photon, specifically involving X-rays from Palladium with a wavelength of 0.0590 nm and a scattered wavelength of 0.0639 nm. Participants confirm that momentum conservation applies, stating that the momentum lost by the photons is gained by the electrons. The key formula used is De Broglie's equation to determine the momentum of both incoming and outgoing photons, leading to the conclusion that the momentum of the incoming photon equals the sum of the outgoing photon’s momentum and the electron's momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of De Broglie's formula for calculating momentum
  • Knowledge of photon and electron interactions in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concept of momentum conservation
  • Basic principles of X-ray physics and scattering
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of De Broglie's formula in various collision scenarios
  • Research momentum conservation laws in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the properties of X-rays and their interactions with matter
  • Learn about Compton scattering and its implications in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, particle physics, and X-ray applications. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of photon-electron interactions and momentum calculations.

dcl
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Heya's..

Im stuck on the following question and I can't seem to arrive at the answer at the back of the book.

X-Rays from Palladium with a wavelength of 0.0590 nm, are scattered backwards from collisions with electrons. The X-Rays that return along their original path have a wave length of 0.0639nm.

I've used DeBroglies formula to calculate the momentum of the incoming and outgoing photons. But I'm not reallty sure what to do at this stage.. Any help would be wonderful.

Thanks :)
 
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Okay, you know the change in momentum of the photons and you know that momentum is conserved in this collision. Any momentum the photons have lost is gained by the electrons.
 
Originally posted by HallsofIvy
Okay, you know the change in momentum of the photons and you know that momentum is conserved in this collision. Any momentum the photons have lost is gained by the electrons.


Hmm
So basically the Momentum of the Incoming Photon is equal to the Momentum of the outgoing photon PLUS the momentum of the electron??

and then i just solve for the electrons velocity..

I could have swore I did a calculation like this..
Perhaps its wrong.. or it could be a mistake in the answer book or something.
 

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