What Is the Wavelength of the Incident X-ray Photon in Compton Scattering?

  • Thread starter Thread starter amani96
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Photon X-ray
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the wavelength of an incident X-ray photon in a Compton scattering scenario, where the photon is scattered at an angle of 180° and the electron achieves a speed of 4.67 x 10^6 m/s. The relevant equations include the conservation of energy and momentum, leading to the relationship between the wavelengths before and after scattering. The user attempts to derive the wavelength of the incident photon using algebraic manipulation of the equations but seeks confirmation on their calculations. Key points include the conservation of momentum and the need to correctly apply the equations to find the wavelength. The discussion emphasizes the importance of verifying algebraic steps in physics problem-solving.
amani96
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An X-ray photon is scattered at an angle of θ = 180.0° from an electron that is initially at rest. After scattering, the electron has a speed of 4.67 x 106m/s. Find the wavelength of the incident X-ray photon.

Homework Equations



hc/λ = hc/λ′ + KE

λ′ = λ + h/mc (1-cosθ)


The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, I solved the first equation for λ′and set both equal to each other:


hc/λ = hc/λ′ + KE
λ′= λ + (λ/hc)KE (hopefully my algebra isn't off...could somebody check?:confused:)

λ + (λ/hc)KE = λ + h/mc (1-cosθ) (subtract λ from both sides)

(λ/hc)KE = h/mc (1-cosθ) (multiply both sides 1/KE)

λ/hc = [h/mc (1-cosθ)]/KE (multiply both sides by hc/1)

λ = [h∧2/m(1-cosθ)]/KE

then plug in numbers...
But, do I have it right so far?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Momentum is conserved, so all the new momentum of the electron came from the photon.
momentum of the electron = m v
momentum of the photon = h f = h c / wavelength.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculating the Wavelength of Monochromatic Radiation in Compton Scattering
Replies
1
Views
2K
Kinetic energy and velocity of electron after compton scatte
Replies
1
Views
4K
Momentum of a Photon: E/c=p Explained
Replies
2
Views
2K
Compton effect: Scattering angle of electron
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why does an electron have minimum kinetic energy when its momentum is 2h/λ?
Replies
8
Views
2K
What are the frequency and speed of a photon after scattering
Replies
1
Views
1K
Compton Scattering- finding photon wavelength
Replies
5
Views
2K
A Can scattering experiment be used to determine location and momentum of an electron?
Replies
2
Views
244
Photon colliding with moving electron
Replies
8
Views
4K
Wavelength of scattered photon and angle of scattering in the Compton scattering
Replies
1
Views
10K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top