Compton Effect, frequency question

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the Compton Effect, specifically calculating the frequency of a deflected X-ray after it interacts with a metal target. The original frequency is given as 3.74 x 10^20 Hz, and the deflection angle is 48°.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between frequency and wavelength using equations related to energy and wavelength of X-rays. There is an exploration of the Compton wavelength shift formula and its application to the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations and seek clarification on the wavelength values. There is a mention of discrepancies in results, and one participant notes a potential issue with calculator settings affecting their results. Others confirm their calculations but do not reach a consensus on the final frequency.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There is also a focus on ensuring that the calculations align with the principles of the Compton Effect.

Kennedy111
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Homework Statement


An X-ray with a frequency of 3.74 x 10^20 Hz is incident on a thin piece of metal. The lower frequency X ray on the other side is observed deflected at 48°. What is the frequency fo the deflected X ray?

fi = 3.74 x 10^20 Hz
Deflected at 48°


Homework Equations


I'm not sure... I would guess..

Δλ= (h/mc)(1-cosθ)
E = hf
E = hc/λ
(hc/λ)=hf

The Attempt at a Solution


I really have no idea where to begin... If someone could just start me off that would be awesome :) This is my attempt anyway..

Ei = hf
= (6.63 x 10^-34 Js)(3.74 x 10^20 Hz)
= 2.47962 x 10^-13 J

E = hc/λ
λ= hc/E
= (6.63 x 10^-34 js)(3.00 x 10^8 m/s) / (2.47962 x 10^-13 J)
= 8.02139037 x 10^-13 m

Δλ = λf - λi
λf = Δλ + λi
= ((6.63 x 10^-34 Js) / (9.11 x 10^-31 kg)(3.00 x 10^8 m/s))(1- cos48) + 8.02139037 x 10^-13 m
=4.78097437 x 10^-12 m

Ef = hc/λ
=(6.63 x 10^-34 Js)(3.00 x 10^8 m/s) / (4.78097437 x 10^-12 m)
=4.16023983 x 10^-14 J

E = hf
f = E/h
= (4.16023983 x 10^-14 J) / (6.63 x 10^-34 Js)
= 6.274871536 x 10^-19 Hz

Yeah... I don't think this is right..

Please help!
 
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Kennedy111 said:
Ei = hf
= (6.63 x 10^-34 Js)(3.74 x 10^20 Hz)
= 2.47962 x 10^-13 J

E = hc/λ
λ= hc/E
= (6.63 x 10^-34 js)(3.00 x 10^8 m/s) / (2.47962 x 10^-13 J)
= 8.02139037 x 10^-13 m
x-rays are electromagnetic radiation. So, the easiest way to get back and forth between λ and f is to use the basic wave relation c = λf. Thus, λ = c/f. You can check that this will give the same result for λi.
Δλ = λf - λi
λf = Δλ + λi
= ((6.63 x 10^-34 Js) / (9.11 x 10^-31 kg)(3.00 x 10^8 m/s))(1- cos48) + 8.02139037 x 10^-13 m
=4.78097437 x 10^-12 m
Looks set up correctly, but I don't get the same value for λf.
Ef = hc/λ
=(6.63 x 10^-34 Js)(3.00 x 10^8 m/s) / (4.78097437 x 10^-12 m)
=4.16023983 x 10^-14 J

E = hf
f = E/h
= (4.16023983 x 10^-14 J) / (6.63 x 10^-34 Js)
= 6.274871536 x 10^-19 Hz

Again, you can just use f = c/λ.
 
Wait... was your λf value 1.06771397 x 10^-12 ??

My calculator was in radian mode...
 
Kennedy111 said:
Wait... was your λf value 1.06771397 x 10^-12 ??

My calculator was in radian mode...

I get about 1.605 x 10^-12 m
 
Hmm... I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong then...
 
Nevermind! I got it now! :D Thanks :)
 

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