How to stop a fast moving electron

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the stopping of high-energy particles, specifically a 500 GeV electron and a 100 GeV photon beam interacting with materials like iron and lead. Participants explore the physics of energy deposition through ionization and absorption in different materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the appropriate use of energy values in equations related to stopping distances and absorption fractions. Questions arise regarding the definitions of variables and the clarity of the original problem statements.

Discussion Status

There are multiple interpretations of the problems presented, with participants providing insights and suggestions for clarification. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationships between initial and final energies, as well as the use of intensity ratios in the context of photon absorption.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential ambiguities in the problem statements, such as whether the mass of the material is being queried or how energy should factor into calculations. There is also mention of specific homework rules regarding the use of energy values in the context of the problems.

JamesJames
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How much iron is required to stop a 500 GeV electron if it only deposits energy via ionization?

Is the following approach correct?

E = E0*e(-x/x0)

x0 = 170*A*density/Z^2

x = ? where x is the stopping distance

E0 = 500 GeV

E = 0.511 MeV

Or should E and E0 be flipped?
:confused:
James
 
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I say E0 is what is left after it is stopped and comes to rest..this will be the rest energy. Then E must be the initial energy.

Am I correct?

James
 
Yes,but the question is unclear...Do they mean the mass of the Iron...?How are u going to get that...?

Daniel.
 
How much material...which is x
 
I have one more

What fraction of a 100 GeV photon beam will be transmitted through a 2cm thick lead absorber?

I used

I = I0*exp(-mu*x)

where mu = density of lead * (0.04 cm^2/gm)

The fraction absorbed is 1- (I/I0)

First of all is the fraction correct or should it be just I/I0. Secondly, why do I not have to use the energy when the book (Ferbel) says that mu should typically depend on the enregy.

James
 
"x" is the length of the path the electron takes inside the iron.

Daniel.

Anyway,logrithmate & see whether u get something reasonable.
 
For the electron question I got 13.5 cm.
 
It's okay.It looks good.The energy is very high.

Daniel.
 
Any suggestions about the photon question I posted in this thread. I' ll just repeat it here again

What fraction of a 100 GeV photon beam will be transmitted through a 2cm thick lead absorber?

I used

I = I0*exp(-mu*x)

where mu = density of lead * (0.04 cm^2/gm)

The fraction absorbed is 1- (I/I0)

First of all is the fraction correct or should it be just I/I0. Secondly, why do I not have to use the energy when the book (Ferbel) says that mu should typically depend on the enregy.
 
  • #10
What do you mean you don't get to use the energy...?You do.That I_{0} is proportinal to the enregy of the incoming photons...

Daniel.
 
  • #11
No, I am not using the 100 GeV, so the question could relate to any photon regardless of its energy right?

James
 
  • #12
Wy aren't u using that value...?Isn't intesity:energy in unit time...?

Daniel.
 
  • #13
Ok, so the energy has been taken into account when calculating the intensity. For the question, I am just looking for the ratio of I / I_0 so I mean in evaluating the exopnential, I am not using the energy.
 
  • #14
Yes,okay.Indeed,"what fraction of a beam" requires only the ratio of the 2 intensities...

Daniel.
 
  • #15
Also, is the required fraction I/I_0 or 1 - (I/I_0) ? Why?
 
  • #16
I_{0} is the initial intensity.I(x) is the value of the intensity in the point "x".For the endpoint of the trajectory through the lead,it's the intensity of the ray which gets out.So the ratio is just I(d)/I_{0}...

Daniel.
 

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