Rutherford Scattering cross section

SuperPokenerd
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Integrate the rutherford cross section over the backward hemisphere to get 4pi(sigma0(E))


Homework Equations



Rutherford cross section is sigma0(E)/sin^4(theta/2)

The Attempt at a Solution


When I integrate this with the limits pi/2 to pi i get sigma0(E)*(8/3) i don't know what I'm doing wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Are you sure you have your integration limits correct?
 
I thought so, since the problem says that theta goes between pi/2 and pi i.e. large angle scattering is from 90-180 degrees. I don't see how I'm supposed to get it to be 4pi instead of 8/3.
 
Never mind my previous response, I was confusing this with a different problem I was solving earlier.

As near as I can tell, your solution appears to be correct.
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
Back
Top