Maximum energy transfer in relativistic photon-electron collision

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
Sign up Log in
1 reply · 2K views
Eric_meyers
Messages
64
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


"A photon of energy E collides with an electron at rest. Calculate the maximum amount of Energy Ek that may be transferred to the electron. Make a graph of Ek versus E, labeling the scale in electronvolts.


Homework Equations


Transfer = Ek = E - mc^2*E/(mc^2 + 2E)


The Attempt at a Solution


So, I'm not sure if I have the correct equation, the reason why is:

I take the derivative of the function and set it equal to 0

E = -mc^2

and then I plug that value into my function of Ek and I get 0.. but how can the max value for energy transfer be 0? I understand the -mc^2 conceptually saying perfect back scattering but I'm not sure.
 

Discussion

Physics news on Phys.org
The energy of the outgoing photon in Compton scattering is a function of the angle. Your formula doesn't depend on the angle, so it's not a general formula for this type of scattering. Wherever you got this expression, it should explain any assumptions that went into deriving it. You need to know what those assumptions are before you use the formula. For all you know, it may not even be valid for this situation.