Online Experiment: Compton Scattering

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on an online experiment involving Compton Scattering, specifically analyzing the relationship between the change in energy of scattered photons and the angle of scattering. The standard equation used is $$1-\cos\theta_d=\frac{E_0 \Delta E}{E_1 E_2}$$, where the user initially plotted the variables incorrectly. Upon realizing the mistake, the correct plot should have $$\frac{\Delta E}{E_2}$$ on the x-axis and $$1-\cos\theta_d$$ on the y-axis, leading to a linear relationship that aligns with the expected gradient of $$\frac{E_0}{E_1}$$, calculated as $$\frac{512}{17.44}=29.36$$.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Compton Scattering principles
  • Familiarity with the equation $$1-\cos\theta_d=\frac{E_0 \Delta E}{E_1 E_2}$$
  • Knowledge of photon energy calculations
  • Experience with data plotting and regression analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of photon energy levels in Compton Scattering experiments
  • Learn about linear regression techniques in data analysis
  • Explore online simulations of Compton Scattering for practical understanding
  • Study the significance of the electron rest energy in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in experimental particle physics, particularly those studying Compton Scattering and energy calculations in photon interactions.

neilparker62
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TL;DR
Plotting a compton scattering Dataset
I recently thought it might be interesting to see if there were any online simulations or videos of Compton Scattering experiments. The search result yielded following:

Given the standard equation: $$1-\cos\theta_d=\frac{E_0 \Delta E}{E_1 E_2} ,$$ we should get a straight line with gradient ##\frac {E_0}{E_1}## if we plot ##1-\cos\theta_d## on the x-axis against ##\frac{\Delta E}{E_2}## on the the y-axis. ##E_2## is the energy (at various angles) of the scattered photon(s) and ##\Delta E## is the change in energy referenced against that recorded at ##0^\circ##. So here is my data set and plot based on the above video. Well we do get a clearly linear relationship but my concern is that the regression obtained linear gradient is nowhere near ##\frac {E_0}{E_1}## where ##E_0## is electron rest energy.

Any ideas on what the problem is ? Have to say I thought we needed much higher energy photons than 17.48 keV as in this video experiment (?).

1636142000019.png
 
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Oops - I see the mistake. Should have plotted ##\frac{\Delta E}{E_2}## on the x-axis and ##1-\cos\theta_d## on the y-axis. Will fix and show ammended plot.
 
1636143442537.png


$$\frac{E_0}{E_1}=\frac{512}{17.44}=29.36$$ so in good agreement with the regression obtained gradient above.
 

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