Photon with negative energy, Compton Scattering

AI Thread Summary
In a Compton scattering problem, the photon is calculated to have an energy of 0.12 MeV and the electron 0.04 MeV after the collision. The conservation of energy equation leads to a negative energy value for the photon before the collision, specifically -0.351 MeV, which raises concerns about the validity of the provided numbers. The discussion highlights confusion regarding whether to proceed with calculations despite the negative energy result. Clarifications suggest that the electron's given energy does not account for its rest mass energy, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the problem setup. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting energy values in Compton scattering scenarios.
zellwwf
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Hello PF people,

Homework Statement


In a Compton scattering event, after the collision, the Photon has an energy of 0.12 MeV
and the Electron has an energy of 0.04 MeV. Find the following:

i) The Wavelength of the photon before the collision.
ii) The scattering angle for the photon after the collision.
iii) The scattering angle for the electron after the collision.

Homework Equations



1 . Conservation of Energy
2 . Conservation of Momentum
3 . Compton's Scattering Δλ = \frac{h}{mc}(1-cos(θ))

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to equate the conservation of energy,
i get a negative energy for the photon before it collides:
E_p + E_e = E_p + E_e
Then substituting (in MeV):
X + 0.511 = 0.04 + 0.12 --> X = -0.351 MeV

I did not copy anything wrong, the problem sheet gives these numbers, what do i do? is this wrong or should i continue?
 
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The given energy for the electron obviously does not include its rest energy.
 
Hello again voko, ur my savior! :)
Yea, what you are saying makes total sense.. thank you a lot
 
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