What is the minimum energy of a compton scattered photon?

In summary, 662 keV photons are produced from the decay of Cesium 137 and undergo Compton scattering. The minimum energy of a Compton scattered photon can be calculated using the Compton scattering formula, while the maximum energy of a Compton electron can be found by subtracting the minimum energy from the initial energy of the photon. The range in tissue of a Compton electron with maximum energy can be calculated using the range equation for soft tissue, where the electron kinetic energy is equal to the maximum energy of the Compton electron.
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JoeyCole7
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Homework Statement



662 keV photons are emitted as a result of the decay of Cesium 137. These photons undergo Compton scattering.

What is the minimum energy of a Compton scattered photon? What is the maximum Compton electron energy? What is the range (cm) in tissue of a Compton electron that has maximum energy?

Homework Equations



Range in (g/cm^2), R = o.412 T^(1.27-0.0954lnT), where T is the electron kinetic energy in MeV. The density of soft tissue is equal to 1g/cm^3.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm totally stuck.
 
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I'm not sure how to calculate the minimum energy of a Compton scattered photon or the maximum energy of a Compton electron. Any help is appreciated!
 

1. What is the definition of minimum energy of a compton scattered photon?

The minimum energy of a compton scattered photon refers to the lowest possible energy that a photon can have after undergoing the Compton scattering process. This energy is dependent on the initial energy of the photon and the scattering angle.

2. How is the minimum energy of a compton scattered photon calculated?

The minimum energy of a compton scattered photon can be calculated using the Compton scattering formula, which takes into account the initial energy of the photon, the scattering angle, and the rest mass of the scattering particle. The formula is given by E_min = E_initial/(1 + (E_initial/mc^2)*(1-cos(theta))), where E_min is the minimum energy, E_initial is the initial energy, m is the rest mass, c is the speed of light, and theta is the scattering angle.

3. Why is the minimum energy of a compton scattered photon important in physics?

The minimum energy of a compton scattered photon is important because it allows us to understand the behavior of photons when they interact with matter. It also helps us in studying the properties of particles and their interactions, which is crucial in fields such as particle physics and astrophysics.

4. Can the minimum energy of a compton scattered photon be less than the initial energy?

No, the minimum energy of a compton scattered photon cannot be less than the initial energy. This is because the scattering process always results in a loss of energy for the photon, and the minimum energy represents the lowest possible energy that the photon can have after the process.

5. How does the minimum energy of a compton scattered photon change with different scattering angles?

The minimum energy of a compton scattered photon increases as the scattering angle increases. This is because a higher scattering angle results in a larger loss of energy for the photon, and the minimum energy represents the lowest possible energy after the scattering process.

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