Compton Scattering formula for 180 degree scattering.

durand
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Hi,
I'm trying to derive a simple formula for 180° scattering.

I've got to this stage and I really can't figure out how to simplify it further.

\[ \frac{1}{\lambda}-\frac{1}{\lambda'} = \frac{2m_ec}{h} \]

What I actually need is:
\[ \lambda' - \lambda = \frac{2h}{m_ec} \]

I'm pretty sure the first formula is right but I can't seem to simplify it into the second!

Thanks in advance.
 
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Hi durand! :smile:

(have a lambda: λ :wink:)

If you multiply them together, you get (λ' - λ)2 = 4λ'λ, or λ'/λ = 3 ± 2√2 :redface:

How did you get your equation?
 
Uhm, I derived the first using conservation of momentum and energy at non relativistic speeds, when the photon bounces back. The second comes from the standard compton scattering formula.
 
CoM: h/λ = mv + h/λ'
CoE: hc/λ = hc/λ' + 0.5mv²

By substituting one into the other, I reach the formula I mentioned in my first post.
 
Bob S said:

Yeah, I did find that, however, it uses a relativistic derivation so I can't really see how to do the last step as it's totally different to mine :/ Thanks anyway.

My exam's in an hour so it doesn't really matter now. Thanks everyone for your help :)
 
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