How Does Compton Scattering Affect Photon Wavelength and Energy?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on Compton scattering, specifically how it affects photon wavelength and energy. For a 6.0 keV photon scattering at 90 degrees, the change in wavelength equals one Compton wavelength, independent of the photon's energy. In the case of a 700 keV gamma ray scattering from an electron at 110 degrees, participants emphasize the necessity of calculating the new wavelength from the initial energy to determine the new energy of the photon. The equation used is Δλ = h/(mc)(1 - cos(θ)).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Compton scattering principles
  • Familiarity with the equation Δλ = h/(mc)(1 - cos(θ))
  • Knowledge of photon energy and wavelength relationships
  • Basic concepts of particle physics, particularly regarding photons and electrons
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the Compton scattering formula
  • Explore the relationship between photon energy and wavelength in detail
  • Learn about the implications of scattering angles on energy and momentum conservation
  • Investigate experimental setups for measuring Compton scattering effects
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in particle physics and the interactions of photons with matter.

KingNothing
Messages
880
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement


48. If a 6.0 keV photon scatters from a free proton at rest, what is the change in the photon's wavelength if the photon recoils at 90 degrees?

52. A gamma ray of 700 keV energy compton-scatters from an electron. Find the energy of the photon scattered at 110 degrees, the energy of the scattered electron, and the recoil angle of the electron.

Homework Equations


\Delta\lambda=\frac{h}{mc}(1-cos(\theta))

The Attempt at a Solution


48. Since the angle is 90 degrees, the change in wavelength should be one compton wavelength. I don't see where the energy of the photon comes into play.

52. Again, I don't see where the energy comes into play.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
48. You are correct here. For the change in wavelength you don't need the energy of the photon.

52. To find the new energy you need the new wavelength which you cannot find merely from the change in wavelength. You need to add the change in wavelength to the initial wavelength which you get from the initial energy.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K