Kinetic energy and velocity of electron after compton scatte

In summary, the conversation was about a photon colliding with a free electron and the resulting changes in wavelength and kinetic energy. The equations used to solve for the electron's kinetic energy and speed were E = hf = pc and p = E/c = hf/c = h/λ, while the equation used to find the wavelength of the photon created from the electron's kinetic energy was λ' - λ = h/mc(1 - cos∅). After rearranging the equation, the correct answer was found.
  • #1
DeathByKugelBlitz
Gold Member
28
16

Homework Statement


A photon with an initial wavelength of 0.1120 nm collides with a free electron that is initially at rest. After the collision the wavelength is 0.1140 nm .

a) What is the kinetic energy of the electron after the collision?

b) What is its speed?

c) If the electron is suddenly stopped (for example, in a solid target), all of its kinetic energy is used to create a photon. What is the wavelength of this photon?

Homework Equations



E = hf = pc
p = E/c = hf/c = h/λ
λ' - λ = h/mc(1 - cos∅)

The Attempt at a Solution



E = hc/λ - hc/λ' = hc(1/λ - λ')

= 9.945 x 106 which is marked as incorrect

This would make my answers to parts b) and c) incorrect too
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I'm so dumb. The correct way to re-arrange the equation is E = hc(1/λ - 1/λ')

I used this and got all three parts correct :smile:
 

1. What is the Compton scattering effect?

Compton scattering is a phenomenon in which a photon (usually an X-ray or gamma ray) collides with an electron, causing the photon to lose energy and change its direction. This results in an increase in the wavelength of the scattered photon.

2. How does Compton scattering affect the kinetic energy of the electron?

After the collision, the electron gains kinetic energy equal to the energy lost by the photon. This increase in kinetic energy is known as the Compton effect.

3. What is the relationship between the velocity of the electron and its kinetic energy after Compton scattering?

The velocity of the electron after Compton scattering depends on its initial velocity and the energy of the scattered photon. The higher the energy of the scattered photon, the higher the velocity of the electron will be.

4. How does the angle of scattering affect the kinetic energy and velocity of the electron?

The angle of scattering has a direct impact on the kinetic energy and velocity of the electron. As the angle of scattering increases, the kinetic energy of the electron decreases and its velocity decreases as well.

5. Can Compton scattering be used to determine the kinetic energy and velocity of an electron?

Yes, Compton scattering is often used in experiments to measure the kinetic energy and velocity of electrons. By analyzing the change in wavelength of the scattered photon, the energy and velocity of the electron can be calculated using the principles of conservation of energy and momentum.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
821
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
813
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
783
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
760
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top