Easy question on wave mechanics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the radii of Carbon (12 C) and Oxygen (16 O) nuclei using wave mechanics principles. The first minimum in the intensity of scattered waves occurs at a scattering angle z, defined by the equation sin(z) = 1.22 * lambda / D. Specific scattering angles for Oxygen and Carbon at given energies (420 MeV and 360 MeV) are provided, which can be used to estimate the diameter D of the circular disc. The key to solving the problem lies in determining the de Broglie wavelength of the particles involved and rearranging the diffraction formula to solve for D.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and diffraction principles
  • Familiarity with the de Broglie wavelength concept
  • Knowledge of energy-momentum relations in particle physics
  • Basic skills in trigonometry for angle calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the de Broglie wavelength for Carbon and Oxygen nuclei
  • Rearrange the diffraction formula to solve for D
  • Explore the implications of scattering angles on nuclear size estimation
  • Review energy-momentum invariant equations in high-energy physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in nuclear physics, particle physicists, and anyone interested in wave mechanics applications in scattering experiments.

mmh37
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This is supposed to be an easy question, but I appear to be slightly lost. Can anyone give me a hint on what to do here?

when waves of wavelength lambda are diffracted by a circular disc of diameter D the first minimum in the intensity of the scattered waves occurs at a scattering angle z given by

[tex]sin(z) = 1.22 * lambda / D[/tex]

First Minima occur (when scattered from Carbon and Oxygen nuclei)...


for Oxygen (16 O) with E = 420 MeV : z= 45°

for Oxygen (16 O) with E = 360 MeV: z= 53 °

for Carbon (12 C) with E= 420 MeV: z = 50.5°


USE THE ABOVE DATA TO ESTIMATE THE RADII OF THE CARBON AND OXYGEN NUCLEI!


______________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: ... that before I had do derive and expression for the momentum of the particle when it's kinetic energy is very much greater than it's rest mass energy mc^2

using the energy momentum invariant and neglecting the m^2c^4 term I said that:

[tex]E^2 = p^2*c^2 + m^2*c^4[/tex]

leads to

[tex]p = E/c[/tex]
 
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I think the key problem is that I do not know D. Does anyone see how I can calculate this from the given data?
 
Find the debroglie wavelength of the concerened atoms and plug it into your diffraction formula rearranged for D.
 

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