Bmax in Bohr's calculation for energy loss of charged particles (classical case)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Bohr's calculation for the energy loss of charged particles, specifically focusing on the interaction time between an incident particle and atomic electrons. Participants explore the implications of the impulsive approximation and the conditions under which these calculations are valid, referencing a specific text on nuclear and particle physics experiments.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why the interaction time is expressed as t = b/(γv) and whether this implies a head-on collision scenario, raising concerns about the effects of electric and Lorentz forces between charged particles.
  • One participant clarifies that the impulsive approximation leads to the conclusion that the interaction duration must be much less than the electron's orbital period, suggesting that the electron can be treated as at rest during the interaction.
  • Another participant presents a calculation showing that the classical momentum transfer is related to the impact parameter b and the velocity v, leading to the expression Δp = Ze^2/bv.
  • There is a contention regarding the factor of 2 in the interaction time, with some asserting T = 2b/v while others argue for T = b/v, leading to confusion about the correct interpretation of the equations involved.
  • A later reply introduces the exact result for momentum transfer in SI units and discusses the implications of using the semi-classical Bohr calculation versus the Bethe-Bloch quantum mechanical approach.
  • Participants express a desire for clarification on the physical meaning of the relationship t = b/v ≤ τ = 1/ν, indicating a need for deeper understanding of the underlying physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct expression for the interaction time, with multiple competing views on the factor of 2 in the calculations and the implications of the impulsive approximation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of certain equations and their physical meanings.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the assumptions made regarding the interaction time and the treatment of the electron during the interaction, as well as the dependence on the definitions of terms used in the calculations.

BUI TUAN KHAI
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Dear all,

I have inquiries about the Bohr's calculation for energy loss of charged particles. These inquires are from the "Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments" (W.Leo).

On page 23 of this book, it is written that:
  • the the interaction time is t = b/(γv), with b is the distance of atomic electron from the trajectory of incident particle and v is the velocity of incident particle.
    [*]orbital period of electron is τ = 1/ν, with ν is the orbital frequency of atomic electron

Why the interaction time of incident particle and atomic electron is t = b/v ? Does it means that it is considered as head-on collision ? It so, how about the electric force and Lorentz force that can be happen since incident particle and electron are both charged ?

It is written that t = b/(γv) ≤ τ = 1/ν, and the reason is just for the interaction between incident charged particle and atomic electron can happen, isn't it ?

Thank you so much.
 
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BUI TUAN KHAI said:
Dear all,
I have inquiries about the Bohr's calculation for energy loss of charged particles. These inquires are from the "Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments" (W.Leo).

On page 23 of this book, it is written that:
  • the the interaction time is t = b/(γv), with b is the distance of atomic electron from the trajectory of incident particle and v is the velocity of incident particle.
    [*]orbital period of electron is τ = 1/ν, with ν is the orbital frequency of atomic electron

Why the interaction time of incident particle and atomic electron is t = b/v ? Does it means that it is considered as head-on collision ? It so, how about the electric force and Lorentz force that can be happen since incident particle and electron are both charged ?

It is written that t = b/(γv) ≤ τ = 1/ν, and the reason is just for the interaction between incident charged particle and atomic electron can happen, isn't it ?

Thank you so much.


The calculus is done in the so-called impulsive approximation.
The upper limit to the impact parameter b is given by the fact that the interaction duration must be much less than the electron orbital period, since otherwise the electron can not be considered at rest during the interaction.
The classical momentum transfer in a collision goes as Dp = Ze^2/bv (1).
The electrostatic force at the distance of b is F(b) = Ze^2/b^2 (2).
From the impulse of the force you get Dp = F(b)*T (3), whereT is the interaction time.
Comparing (1), (2), (3) it is easily seen that "it is as if" the interaction lasts T = 2b/v.
In relativistic case, all is the same except that v becomes gamma*v, where gamma is the lorentz factor.
Hope it helps.
 
Fek_ said:
The calculus is done in the so-called impulsive approximation.
The upper limit to the impact parameter b is given by the fact that the interaction duration must be much less than the electron orbital period, since otherwise the electron can not be considered at rest during the interaction.
The classical momentum transfer in a collision goes as Dp = Ze^2/bv (1).
The electrostatic force at the distance of b is F(b) = Ze^2/b^2 (2).
From the impulse of the force you get Dp = F(b)*T (3), whereT is the interaction time.
Comparing (1), (2), (3) it is easily seen that "it is as if" the interaction lasts T = 2b/v.
In relativistic case, all is the same except that v becomes gamma*v, where gamma is the lorentz factor.
Hope it helps.

Dear Fek,

Based on the impulse approximation, T = 2b/v. but the time for interaction that I mentioned is t = b/v. they are not the same !

Please help. I am also thinking.
Thanks.
 
In fact I wonder how Fek_ got this 2 from the equations he wrote :)
So let's write everything more readable...
During the interaction, you have some momentum change: \Delta p = \frac{Z e^2}{bv}
and the force at r=b is F(b)= \frac{Ze^2}{b^2} \Rightarrow Dp= F(b) \times T
Or:
\frac{Z e^2}{bv}= \frac{Ze^2}{b^2} T \Rightarrow T= b/v

As noted, in the relativistic case again, T=\frac{b}{\gamma v}
 
ChrisVer said:
In fact I wonder how Fek_ got this 2 from the equations he wrote :)
So let's write everything more readable...
During the interaction, you have some momentum change: \Delta p = \frac{Z e^2}{bv}
and the force at r=b is F(b)= \frac{Ze^2}{b^2} \Rightarrow Dp= F(b) \times T
Or:
\frac{Z e^2}{bv}= \frac{Ze^2}{b^2} T \Rightarrow T= b/v

As noted, in the relativistic case again, T=\frac{b}{\gamma v}

I think T = 2b/v is right.
Since the electric energy is E = Ze^2/b=mv^2/2 and T = mv=2E/v, thus, T = 2Ze^2/bv.
 
Well, I wrote that very quickly and a factor 2 went lost :).
The exact result for momentum transfer is Δp = (Ze2)/(2π ε0 bv) in SI units.
The force at the closest distance b is F(b) = (Ze2)/(4π ε0 b2).
So, when one takes Δp = F(b)τ, one gets the correct factor 2 for τ = 2b/v.
Though, remind that the semi-classical Bohr's calculation, like this, is just a crude approximation. The Bethe-Bloch quantum mechanical approach is the proper way. It is not so difficult as one might think, at least for the "close" collisions". Try it :).
 
Fek_ said:
Well, I wrote that very quickly and a factor 2 went lost :).
The exact result for momentum transfer is Δp = (Ze2)/(2π ε0 bv) in SI units.
The force at the closest distance b is F(b) = (Ze2)/(4π ε0 b2).
So, when one takes Δp = F(b)τ, one gets the correct factor 2 for τ = 2b/v.
Though, remind that the semi-classical Bohr's calculation, like this, is just a crude approximation. The Bethe-Bloch quantum mechanical approach is the proper way. It is not so difficult as one might think, at least for the "close" collisions". Try it :).
Dear Fek,

But can I know the reason why t = b/v ≤ τ = 1/ν ? I don't understand the physics meanings.
 
Fek_ said:
Well, I wrote that very quickly and a factor 2 went lost :).
The exact result for momentum transfer is Δp = (Ze2)/(2π ε0 bv) in SI units.
The force at the closest distance b is F(b) = (Ze2)/(4π ε0 b2).
So, when one takes Δp = F(b)τ, one gets the correct factor 2 for τ = 2b/v.
Though, remind that the semi-classical Bohr's calculation, like this, is just a crude approximation. The Bethe-Bloch quantum mechanical approach is the proper way. It is not so difficult as one might think, at least for the "close" collisions". Try it :).

Can you explain it for me?
This will be helpful for me. because i have a report tomorrow.
 

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