# Compton Scattering in Newtonian Physics

1. Jan 29, 2010

### rpardo

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Derive the equation non-relativistic equation for Compton scattering

(mc^2) [(1/E2)-(1/E1)]+cos(theta)-[((E1-E2)^2)/(2E1E2)]=1

E1 = Incident Photon's energy
E2 = Scattered Photon's energy
theta= scattering angle
m = mass of electron
c = s

Here is the lab
In other words derive equation 2

http://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/~reception/2440/RelativMech-Compton-Jan10-08.pdf

2. Relevant equations

Conservation of Energy,conservation of mass, cosine law

3. The attempt at a solution

I've derived the first equation on the lab (relativistic approach)
I am really stumped on how to derive this...its been 4 hours and counting...
Any help at all would be appreciated. I feel like I'm really close but the algebra is the problem

Truly appreciated
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 24, 2017
2. Jan 29, 2010

### vela

Staff Emeritus
How did you set up the problem?

Here are some suggestions to make the algebra easier:

1. Write the kinetic energy of the electron as $p^2/(2m)$.
2. Don't break the conservation of momentum equation into components.
3. Isolate the electron's momentum in the conservation of momentum equation on one side and then square the equation.