Rutherford Scattering Homework: θmin & θmax, Probability σ

In summary, we discussed the differential cross section for Rutherford scattering of alpha particles off a nucleus and derived an expression for the probability σ for scattering into a detector in terms of (sin(θ/2))^2, θmin, and θmax.
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Homework Statement



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

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

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

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

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

[tex] \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 [/tex]


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."
ons[/b]
 

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  • #2
Think I've got it.
[tex]
\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}}
[/tex]

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

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

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

1. What is Rutherford scattering and how does it relate to homework on θmin and θmax?

Rutherford scattering is a phenomenon that occurs when alpha particles are fired at a thin sheet of gold foil. The particles are deflected at certain angles, and the homework on θmin and θmax involves calculating the minimum and maximum angles at which the particles can be deflected.

2. How is θmin calculated in Rutherford scattering homework?

θmin is calculated using the equation θmin = (2Ze^2/4πε0mv^2) * (1/4πε0)^2, where Z is the atomic number of the target nucleus, e is the elementary charge, ε0 is the permittivity of free space, m is the mass of the alpha particle, and v is the velocity of the alpha particle.

3. What is the significance of θmax in Rutherford scattering homework?

θmax represents the maximum angle at which an alpha particle can be deflected by the target nucleus. This angle is important because it helps determine the probability of a particle being deflected at a certain angle.

4. How is probability (σ) calculated in Rutherford scattering homework?

Probability (σ) is calculated using the equation σ = (Z/4πε0)^2 * (1/cos^4(θ/2)), where Z is the atomic number of the target nucleus and θ is the scattering angle.

5. Can Rutherford scattering homework be used to understand the structure of atoms?

Yes, Rutherford scattering homework can provide insight into the structure of atoms by studying the deflection of alpha particles and the probability of these deflections. This helps to understand the size and distribution of the positively charged nucleus within an atom.

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