Compton Scattering: K, Wavelength Calculation

In summary, Compton scattering is a phenomenon where a photon is scattered off of an electron, resulting in a change in energy and wavelength. The letter "K" in Compton scattering represents the atomic number of the target material. The wavelength of the scattered photon can be calculated using a formula that takes into account factors such as the atomic number and scattering angle. This phenomenon has various applications in scientific research, including in the study of atomic and molecular structures and in medical imaging.
  • #1
Benlaww
18
3
Homework Statement
A photon with wavelength 0.1365 nm scatters from an electron that is initially at rest. What must be the angle between the direction of propagation of the incident and scattered photons if the speed of the electron immediately after the collision is 8.20×106 m/s?
Relevant Equations
K=1/2 *m*v^2
E=hc/(wl)
(wl)' = (wl) + (h/mc)(1-cos(theta))
K= 1/2 (9.11*10^-31)(8.2*^6)^2
(wl)' = hc/k = 6.5 nm
(wl)' - (wl) = 6.36 nm
cos(theta) = 1- (((6.36nm)(9.11*10^-31)(3*10^8))/(6.63*10^-34)) = -2620.7

theta = error
 
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  • #2
Benlaww said:
(wl)' = hc/k
This is not the correct relation between the final wavelength of the photon and the final kinetic energy of the electron. Let E = initial energy of the photon, E' = the final energy of the photon, and K = the final kinetic energy of the electron. How are E, E', and K related?
 
  • #3
E = E' + K
Ahh I've figured it out now, I got my final wavelength as 1.39*10^-10 m. Thank you!
 
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1. What is Compton scattering?

Compton scattering is a phenomenon in which a photon (usually an X-ray or gamma ray) collides with an electron, transferring some of its energy to the electron and causing it to scatter at a different angle.

2. How is the wavelength of the scattered photon calculated?

The wavelength of the scattered photon can be calculated using the Compton scattering formula, which takes into account the initial and final energies of the photon and the scattering angle.

3. What is the significance of the Compton wavelength?

The Compton wavelength is the fundamental length scale associated with quantum mechanics and is used to describe the wave-particle duality of matter. It also plays a crucial role in the study of high-energy phenomena such as Compton scattering.

4. What is the difference between K and Wavelength in Compton scattering?

K is the initial energy of the incident photon, while the wavelength is the characteristic length scale of the scattered photon. The two are related through the Compton scattering formula.

5. What are the applications of Compton scattering?

Compton scattering has various applications in fields such as medical imaging, material science, and astrophysics. It is used to study the structure of materials, detect defects in materials, and understand the composition of celestial bodies.

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