Rutherford Scattering Homework: θmin & θmax, Probability σ

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the probability σ for scattering alpha particles in a Rutherford scattering experiment using the differential cross section formula. The participants calculated θmin and θmax as 0.1652 rad and 0.2292 rad, respectively, based on the geometry of a detector placed 30 mm from a gold foil. The integration of the differential cross section expression was discussed to express σ in terms of (sin(θ/2))^2, θmin, and θmax, leading to a final expression involving trigonometric identities.

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  • Understanding of Rutherford scattering principles
  • Familiarity with differential cross section calculations
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and identities
  • Basic integration techniques in calculus
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Homework Statement



The differential cross section for Rutherford scattering of alpha particles off a nucleus can be written as:

\frac{d\sigma}{d\Omega} = (\frac{zZe^2}{4\pi\epsilon_0})(\frac{1}{4T_\alpha})^2\frac{1}{sin^4 \frac{\theta}{2}}

where z and Z are the atomic numbers of the alpha particle and nucleus respectively, Τα is the initial energy of the alpha particles, and θ is the scattering angle relative to the incoming trajectory.

Consider an experiment in which a beam of alpha particles is directed at a thin foil of gold. A detector in the form of an annular ring is placed 30 mm downstream of the foil and concentric with the beam direction. The inner radius of the annulus is 5 mm and the outer radius is 7mm. Taking θmin and θmax to be the angular separation between the inner edge and outer edge of the detector relative to the foil find the value of θmin and θmax.

Now using the differential cross section expression above, and assuming we have azimuthal symmetry so that dΩ=2πsinθdθ, derive an expression for the probability σ for scattering into the detector in terms of (sin(θ/2))^2, θmin and θmax.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



Let d = 30mm distance from foil to centre of the annulus.
Rin = 5mm is the inner radius
Rout = 7mm is the outer radius

For θmin and θmax we're going to be looking at triangles
Hypotenuse for inner radius 30.41mm
Hypotenuse for outer radius 30.81mm

\theta_{min} = sin^{-1}(x/H_{min}) = sin^{-1}(5/30.41) = 0.1652 rad
\theta_{max} = sin^{-1}(x/H_{max}) = sin^{-1}(7/30.81) = 0.2292 rad

I'm stuck on the last part, I assume you take d\sigma = 2\pi sin\theta d\theta
and replace it in the original equation then integrate θ between θmin and θmax

\int d\sigma = \int_{\theta_{min}}^{\theta_{max}}(\frac{zZe^2}{4\pi\epsilon_0})(\frac{1}{4T_\alpha})^2\frac{1}{sin^4 \frac{\theta}{2}}2\pi sin\theta d\theta


but I can't see how I'm going to get an expression involving "derive an expression for the probability σ for scattering into the detector in terms of (sin(θ/2))^2, θmin and θmax."
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Think I've got it.
<br /> \int d\sigma = k\int_{\theta_{min}}^{\theta_{max}}\frac{sin\theta}{sin^4 \frac{\theta}{2}}d\theta = k[\frac{4}{cos \theta - 1} ]_{\theta_{min}}^{\theta_{max}}<br />

Trig formula: sin^2(x) = 1/2 - 1/2 cos(2x)

Therefore [\frac{4}{cos \theta - 1} ]_{\theta_{min}}^{\theta_{max}} = [\frac{4}{-2sin^2 {\theta}/2} ]_{\theta_{min}}^{\theta_{max}}

Will the equation still be in terms of (sin(θ/2))^2, if I replace the θ with θmin and θmax?
 

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