Compton Scattering and maximum energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wavelength of incident X-rays in a Compton scattering experiment, given a maximum kinetic energy of 10 keV for the electrons. The key equations utilized include the Compton wavelength shift formula, \(\Delta\lambda = \frac{h}{mc}(1 - \cos\theta)\), and the energy-wavelength relationship, \(E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}\). The participant derived an equation leading to a wavelength of 0.0239 nm, which is slightly off from the book's answer of 0.022 nm. The discrepancy highlights the importance of precise calculations and methodologies in solving such problems.

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Homework Statement


If the maximum kinetic energy given to the electrons in a Compton scattering experiment is 10 keV, what is the wavelength of the incident X-Rays?


Homework Equations


\Delta\lambda = (h/mc)*(1-cos\theta)
E = hc/\lambda
\Delta\lambda = \lambdascattered - \lambdaincident

[c]3. The Attempt at a Solution [/b]
I think I made this question more complex than it is...
So I know that \Delta\lambda = .00243 nm and Einitial=Ephoton + Eelectron, and Eelectron =10 keV.
I made \lambdascattered = hc/Ephoton.
This equals \Delta\lambda = hc/(Einitial - 10 keV), and then I plugged hc/\lambdaincident for Einitial.

My final equation is .00243 - \lambdaincident = 1240 eVnm/(hc/\lambdaincident - 10 kEv).

The solution is .0239 nm, however the correct answer in the book is .022 nm.
Although the solution is close, I feel that it's more due to luck than to actually doing the correct methodology. Could anyone help me solve this problem? Thanks!
 
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so if you're happy with the wavelength shift to find the energy shift knowing

E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}

differentiating and assuming only small changes, which probably isn't too far form the truth..
dE = -\frac{hc}{\lambda^2}d\lambda

if you want the exact answer you need to solve:
\Delta E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} -\frac{hc}{\lambda + \Delta \lambda}
you should be able to solve for lambda, by multiplying through by the denominators & rearranging to give a quadratic in terms of lambda
 

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