Maximum Kinetic Energy in Comton Scattering

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the maximum kinetic energy of a recoiling electron after a photon of energy E scatters off it. The maximum kinetic energy occurs when the scattering angle φ is 180 degrees, leading to the equation λ' - λ = 2h/mc. The user derives the kinetic energy as K = 2E^2/(2E + mc^2), but notes that the expected answer is K = E^2/(E + mc^2), which corresponds to a cosine term of zero. The user questions whether their initial assumption is incorrect or if there is a potential typo in the problem statement. Clarification is sought on the derivation process and the correct interpretation of the equations involved.
samuelyee
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Homework Statement


A photon of energy E is scattered off a stationary electron with rest mass m. What is the maximum kinetic energy of the recoiling electron?

Homework Equations


\lambda'-\lambda=\frac{h}{mc}(1-cos(\phi))
E=\frac{hc}{\lambda}

The Attempt at a Solution


The maximum kinetic energy gained is when \phi=180^{o} , so
\lambda'-\lambda=\frac{2h}{mc}
After some manipulation, I finally get
K = \frac{2E^2}{2E+mc^2}
But the answer is supposed to be K = \frac{E^2}{E+mc^2} , which would be the case if the cosine term is zero. Am I making the wrong assumption at the start?

Thanks for the help!
 
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I am getting the same as you. I'm guessing a typo somewhere?

Cheers -- sylas
 
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