Mott's scattering cross-section formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving Mott's scattering cross-section formula, specifically the transformation of the equation from its initial form to one that incorporates specific units: \(\mu=\frac{m}{2}\), \(v=\frac{\hbar k}{m}\), and \(\alpha = e^{2}\). The participants express confusion regarding the dimensional analysis, particularly how the units within the cosine function do not simplify correctly. The key conclusion is that a thorough understanding of dimensional analysis is essential to validate the equation's consistency.

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Homework Statement



We were asked to derive the Mott's scattering cross section. Given by

\sigma(\theta)=(\frac{1}{4k^{4}}) (\frac{1}{(\sin\frac{\theta}{2})^{4}} - \frac{1}{(\cos\frac{\theta}{2})^{4}}\cos[\frac{2}{k}\ln(\cot\frac{\theta}{2})])

I get it into this form (that was easy, lengthy but easy) and then we're suppose to use these units:
\mu=\frac{m}{2}, v=\frac{\hbar k}{m}, and \alpha = e^{2}

to show that it is actually:

\sigma(\theta)=(\frac{e^{2}}{mv^{2}})^{2} (\frac{1}{(\sin\frac{\theta}{2})^{4}} - \frac{1}{(\cos\frac{\theta}{2})^{4}} \cos[\frac{e^{2}}{\hbar v}\ln(\cot\frac{\theta}{2})])

So, either I have completely forgotten how to do dimensional analysis or this equation as written cannot be possible since the units inside the cosine do not reduce to unity. Any suggestion on how to do this?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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How do the units on the first version of the equation work out? They don't look right there, either.
 

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