Compton scattering in a general medium

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of Compton scattering in a general medium, specifically addressing energy and momentum conservation equations. The user presents the energy conservation equation as nhf0 + mc2 = nhf' + E and momentum conservation equations for both x-axis and y-axis. The user expresses confusion over deriving the Compton shift equation instead of the expected quadratic equation in terms of f'. This indicates a misunderstanding in the manipulation of the equations or the application of the conservation principles.

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  • Understanding of Compton scattering principles
  • Familiarity with energy conservation equations in physics
  • Knowledge of momentum conservation laws
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations and derive quadratic forms
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  • Study the derivation of the Compton shift equation in detail
  • Learn about the application of energy and momentum conservation in particle physics
  • Explore quadratic equations and their solutions in the context of physics
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Homework Statement
In a medium of refractive index 𝑛, the wavelength of light 𝜆0 is related to its frequency 𝑓0 . Variables given: input photon frequency 𝑓, outgoing photon angle 𝜃, outgoing photon frequency 𝑓′, outgoing electron angle 𝜙, outgoing electron energy 𝐸 and outgoing electron momentum 𝒑. In this problem, the momenta of all particles, before and after, lie entirely in the plane of the paper.

Part 1: Write the energy conservation equation and the momentum conservation equations for Compton scattering for incident and outgoing photons in a medium of refractive index n

Part 2: Solve the equations to obtain the outgoing photon frequency 𝑓′ in the following form:
𝑓′ = [−𝐵 ± √(𝐵^2 − 4𝐴𝐶) ]/ (2𝐴) where you are to determine the unknowns 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 in terms of 𝑓, 𝑐, 𝑛, 𝜃, and electron rest mass 𝑚. You may use the fact that for general (relativistic) electrons, the dispersion relation is 𝐸 = √[(𝑝𝑐)^2 + (𝑚𝑐^2)^2]
Relevant Equations
𝜆0 = 𝑐/(𝑛𝑓0) where 𝑐 is the speed of light in vacuum
For part one, my energy conservation equation is nhf0 + mc2 = nhf' + E

my momentum conservation in x-axis is nhf0= nhf' cos(theta) + c𝒑 cos(fi)

My momentum conservation in y-axis is nhf' sin(theta) = c𝒑 sin(fi)

For part 2 I understand that I am supposed to get a qudratic equation in terms of f' but when I tried combining all three equations but all I did was derive Compton shift equation. Where did I go wrong?
 
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