Compton effect: Scattering angle of electron

In summary, the conversation discusses determining the scattering angle for an electron when a 0.7MeV photon scatters off of it at a scattering angle twice that of the electron. The equation λ' - λ° = h/(mec)(1-cosθ) is used, along with the conservation of momentum, to find the velocity of the electron and ultimately its scattering angle.
  • #1
vetgirl1990
85
3

Homework Statement


A 0.7MeV (E°) photon scatters off a free electron such that the scattering angle of the photon is twice the scattering angle of the electron (θ=2φ). Determine the scattering angle for the electron.

Homework Equations


λ' - λ° = h/(mec)(1-cosθ)
E = hc/λ

ρelectron = mev / √(1-v2/c2)

The Attempt at a Solution


The initial wavelength of the photon (λ°) = hc/E° = 5.92x10-13m

Honestly, I'm not sure at all where to go from here. I know it's a conservation of momentum problem, but based on the equation above, I need the velocity of the electron in order to find it's momentum.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
why do you need to find momentum?
 
Last edited:

1. What is the Compton effect?

The Compton effect, also known as Compton scattering, is a phenomenon in which a photon (particle of light) collides with a free electron. As a result of the collision, the photon loses energy and changes its direction, while the electron gains energy and changes its direction as well.

2. How does the scattering angle of the electron change in the Compton effect?

The scattering angle of the electron in the Compton effect can vary from 0 to 180 degrees. The exact angle depends on the initial energy of the photon and the mass of the electron. Generally, the higher the energy of the photon, the larger the scattering angle will be.

3. What is the significance of the Compton effect?

The Compton effect is an important phenomenon in quantum physics as it provides evidence for the particle-like nature of light (photons) and the wave-like nature of electrons. It also has applications in various fields such as medical imaging, material science, and astronomy.

4. Can the Compton effect be observed in everyday life?

Yes, the Compton effect can be observed in everyday life. For example, it is used in airport security scanners to detect hidden objects. It is also used in PET (positron emission tomography) scans to create images of the body's internal structures.

5. How is the Compton effect related to the concept of energy-momentum conservation?

The Compton effect is a manifestation of the law of conservation of energy and momentum. In the process, the total energy and momentum of the photon and electron before and after the collision remain the same. This principle is a fundamental concept in physics and is applicable to all interactions between particles.

Similar threads

Why does an electron have minimum kinetic energy when its momentum is 2h/λ?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
Electron in a light microscope
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
447
Calculating the Wavelength of Monochromatic Radiation in Compton Scattering
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Compton Scattering - Find x component of electron momentum
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
821
What are the frequency and speed of a photon after scattering
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
813
Compton Scattering Homework: Wavelength & Angle Calculation
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
Kinetic energy and velocity of electron after compton scatte
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
4K
Compton Scattering; Relation between scattering angles
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
6K
[Compton scattering] Solving for wavelength
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Deriving the Compton Effect Equation: A System of Equations Approach
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top