Compton effect and kinetic energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum kinetic energy of Compton electrons and the corresponding minimum energy of scattered photons from 100 keV and 1 MeV photon interactions. The relevant equation used is Δλ = 0.24(1 - cosθ), which describes the change in wavelength due to Compton scattering. Participants express confusion regarding the initial and final wavelengths of photons and how to derive them from energy values. The solutions involve understanding the relationship between photon energy and wavelength, specifically using the equation E = hc/λ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Compton scattering and its implications in quantum physics
  • Familiarity with the equation E = hc/λ for photon energy and wavelength
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometry to apply angles in scattering calculations
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving wavelength changes in photon interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate photon energy from wavelength using E = hc/λ
  • Study the implications of Compton scattering on photon energy and electron kinetic energy
  • Explore advanced applications of Compton scattering in medical imaging and radiation therapy
  • Investigate the relationship between scattering angles and energy loss in high-energy physics
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Physics students, educators, and professionals in fields related to quantum mechanics, particularly those studying photon interactions and energy transformations in particle physics.

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Homework Statement


What is the maximum possible kinetic energy (keV) of a Compton electron and the corresponding minimum energy of a scattered photon resulting from scattering of

a) 100 keV photon
b) 1 MeV photon


Homework Equations


Δλ = 0.24(1-cosθ)


The Attempt at a Solution


Δλ = 0.24(1-(-1))
= 0.48A

I do not know how to figure the energy of the scattered photon
 
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Compton Scatter

Homework Statement



what fraction of the energy of a 1 MeV photon is lost if it Compton scatters through an angle of 90 degrees

Homework Equations



Δλv= 0.24(1-cosθ)


The Attempt at a Solution


Δλv= 0.24(1-cosθ)
= 0.24(1-cos90)
= 0.24(1-0)
Δλ = 0.24A

I am confused from here
 
OK, you've got the change in wavelength of the photon. What's the initial wavelength? (How do you find the wavelength of a photon given the energy?)

Then, what's the final wavelength?
 
Last edited:
Threads merged. These two problems are actually rather similar, and you should be able to use basically the same technique to solve both of them. My hint applies to both of them.
 

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