A photon and electron collision

AI Thread Summary
In a photon and electron collision where the photon scatters directly backward, the initial frequency of the photon is denoted as f. The discussion highlights that since photons have no rest mass, they always travel at the speed of light, suggesting that their frequency remains constant before and after the collision. However, this overlooks the effects of the collision on the frequency of the back-scattered photon, which can change due to energy transfer to the electron. The initial assumption that the frequency must remain the same is incorrect, as the frequency of the back-scattered photon will be lower due to the Doppler effect. Understanding the principles of conservation of energy and momentum is crucial in accurately determining the new frequency of the photon after the collision.
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Homework Statement


Consider a photon colliding with an electron and scattered directly backward. If the electron is initially at rest and the incident photon has frequency f, determine the frequency of the back-scattered photon


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The Attempt at a Solution


Since the photon has no rest mass, then it should always move in speed of light. Therefore the frequency before and after the collision must be the same.
 
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