Compton Scattering given Energy of Scattered Gamma.

In summary, the problem involves scattering gamma rays with an energy of 1.02MeV from initially resting electrons. The goal is to find the angle for symmetric scattering and the energy of the scattered photon. To solve this problem, the equation \Delta \lambda = 0.0243A (1 - cos \theta ) can be used, along with the conversion between energy and wavelength (E = hc/lambda).
  • #1
atomicpedals
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Homework Statement



Gamma rays of energy 1.02MeV are scattered from electrons which are initially at rest. Find the angle for symmetric scattering at this energy. What is the energy of the scattered photon from this case?

Homework Equations



[itex]\Delta[/itex] [itex]\lambda[/itex] = 0.0243A (1 - cos [itex]\theta[/itex] )

The Attempt at a Solution



What's throwing me off on this problem is the use of the gamma energy (1.02MeV). I'm perfectly equipped to handle this problem given wavelengths. Do I need to go back and calculate out the wavelength from conservation of energy? Any hints in the right direction are much appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
The energy of a photon is given by E = hc/lambda, where h is Planck's Constant and c is the speed of light. You can use this to convert between energy and wavelength.
 
  • #3
Can't believe I missed that, thanks!
 

Related to Compton Scattering given Energy of Scattered Gamma.

1. What is Compton Scattering?

Compton Scattering is a phenomenon in which a photon (usually an X-ray or gamma ray) collides with an electron, resulting in the photon losing some of its energy and changing its direction.

2. How does the energy of the scattered gamma ray change in Compton Scattering?

The energy of the scattered gamma ray decreases as a result of the collision with the electron. The amount of energy lost depends on the initial energy of the photon and the angle at which it scatters.

3. What is the formula for calculating the energy of the scattered gamma ray in Compton Scattering?

The formula for calculating the energy of the scattered gamma ray is E2 = E1 / (1 + (E1 / (m0c^2))(1 - cosθ)), where E1 is the initial energy of the photon, E2 is the energy of the scattered photon, m0 is the rest mass of the electron, c is the speed of light, and θ is the scattering angle.

4. How does the scattering angle affect the energy of the scattered gamma ray in Compton Scattering?

The energy of the scattered gamma ray decreases as the scattering angle increases. This is because a larger scattering angle results in a greater loss of energy during the collision with the electron.

5. What is the significance of Compton Scattering in the field of physics?

Compton Scattering is an important phenomenon in understanding the behavior of X-rays and gamma rays. It is also used in various applications such as medical imaging and studying the structure of materials. Additionally, it provides evidence for the wave-particle duality of light.

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