Compton Scattering of a photon by a moving electron

In summary, the equation for the wavelength of the scattered photon is \lambda '=\frac{hc}{E}(1+\frac{m^{2}c^{4}\lambda}{4hcE}) where h is the Planck constant and m is the mass of the electron.
  • #1
athrun200
277
0

Homework Statement


If the total energy of the electron E>>m[itex]c^{2}[/itex]
Prove that the formula of wavelength would be
[itex]\lambda '[/itex]=[itex]\frac{hc}{E}[/itex](1+[itex]\frac{m^{2}c^{4}\lambda}{4hcE}[/itex])
where [itex]\lambda '[/itex] is the wavelenght after scattering
m is the mass of electron

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I have proved that [itex]\lambda '[/itex]=[itex]\frac{\lambda(E-Pc)+2hc}{E+Pc}[/itex]
In my equation, P is the initial momentum of the electron.
I haven't use the given assumption E>>m[itex]c^{2}[/itex]. So we must use it to eliminate P.

But if E>>m[itex]c^{2}[/itex][itex]\Rightarrow[/itex] E[itex]\approx[/itex]Pc
this cannot get the answer
 
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  • #2
There's no angular dependence? The problem seems a bit ambiguous to me. What are the directions of the photon and electron initially?
 
  • #3
they are both along x axis, even after collision

The origin question should be
Consider Comton scattering of a photon by a moving electron. Before the collision the photon has wave length λ and is moving in the +x direction, and the electron is moving in the -x direction with total energy E. The photon and electron collide head-on. After the collision both are moving in the -x direction.
(a) Drive an expression for the wavelength λ' of the scattered photon.
(b) Show that for the case E>>mc^2, the result reduces to [itex]\lambda '[/itex]=[itex]\frac{hc}{E}[/itex](1+[itex]\frac{m^{2}c^{4}\lambda}{4hcE}[/itex]
 
Last edited:
  • #4
OK, you have
$$\lambda' = \frac{\lambda(E-Pc)+2hc}{E+Pc} = \frac{2hc}{E+Pc} + \lambda\frac{E-Pc}{E+Pc}$$Now multiply the second term by (E+Pc)/(E+Pc) and then use the approximation ##E\approx Pc##.
 
  • #5
vela said:
OK, you have
$$\lambda' = \frac{\lambda(E-Pc)+2hc}{E+Pc} = \frac{2hc}{E+Pc} + \lambda\frac{E-Pc}{E+Pc}$$
The second term will become zero after using E=Pc, since the second term has the factor E-Pc.
 
  • #6
That's not quite true. You need to multiply by (E+Pc)/(E+Pc) and simplify the numerator and then let E=pC.
 
Last edited:
  • #7
thx!
 

1. What is Compton Scattering?

Compton Scattering is a phenomenon in which a photon (particle of light) collides with a moving electron and transfers some of its energy to the electron, causing it to change direction and wavelength. This effect was discovered by Arthur Compton in 1922 and is an important concept in quantum mechanics.

2. How does Compton Scattering occur?

Compton Scattering occurs when a photon interacts with a free (unbound) electron. The photon transfers some of its energy to the electron, causing it to recoil and change direction. This change in direction results in a longer wavelength (lower energy) photon being emitted, while the electron acquires the remaining energy from the original photon.

3. What is the significance of Compton Scattering?

Compton Scattering is important because it provides evidence for the particle nature of light, as well as the wave-particle duality of matter. It also has practical applications in fields such as medical imaging and materials analysis, as it allows scientists to measure the energy and wavelength of photons and electrons.

4. How is Compton Scattering different from other types of scattering?

Compton Scattering is distinct from other types of scattering (such as Rayleigh or Thomson scattering) because it involves the transfer of energy between the photon and the electron. In other forms of scattering, the photon simply changes direction without transferring any energy to the scattering particle.

5. What factors influence the outcome of Compton Scattering?

The outcome of Compton Scattering is influenced by the energy of the incident photon, the speed and direction of the electron, and the angle at which the photon and electron collide. The amount of energy transferred and the resulting change in wavelength can be calculated using the Compton Scattering formula.

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