Compton scattering, formulae question

channel1
Messages
70
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


An X-ray source of wavelength gamma is directed at a sample; determine the maximum speed of scattered electrons.

Homework Equations



KE=(\gamma-1)mc2=hc/\lambda - hc/\lambda'

The Attempt at a Solution



I've been provided with the solution using the formula above, however it looks like it's Eincident - Escattered ---or in other words initial minus final...isn't convention final-initial? Why do we subtract initial minus final in this case?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The final is subtracted because the scattered photon will have a lower energy than the incident photon (since some of it has gone to the electron).
 
Apply conservation of energy to the situation.

This question really doesn't belong in the advanced physics section.
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
Back
Top