Compton Radius vs Compton Wavelength

In summary, there is a difference between the Compton wavelength and the Compton radius of an electron. The Compton radius is a classical radius calculated using the electrostatic potential energy of the electron, while the Compton wavelength appears in the formula for the wavelength shift in the Compton process. The ratio between the two values is very close to 2*pi, and can be shown to be equal to (2*pi)/alpha, where alpha is the fine structure constant. However, there may be variations in the values used for h and hbar in different sources.
  • #1
what_are_electrons
A 1992 book dedicated to electrons writes about the Compton Radius of an electron. The Compton Wavelength for an electron is defined as 2.42x10(-10) cm, whereas this book defines the electron Compton radius as 0.386x10(-10) cm. What is the difference?
 
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  • #3
The ratio between both space magnitude are 6.2694, very close to 2*Pi.
Sure it's really 2*Pi
 
  • #4
:confused:
But wait: I think you mistaked the values
I have the for classical electron radious
Ro= e^2 /(mc^2)= 2.82E-13 cm.
and on the other hand, the compton wavelenght
LambdaC= h/mc= 24.3E-13 cm.
( m is the rest mass of the electron)



and the ratio is really LambdaC/Ro= 8.61 (dimensionless value)
 
  • #5
lanjarote said:
:confused:
But wait: I think you mistaked the values
I have the for classical electron radious
Ro= e^2 /(mc^2)= 2.82E-13 cm.
and on the other hand, the compton wavelenght
LambdaC= h/mc= 24.3E-13 cm.
( m is the rest mass of the electron)



and the ratio is really LambdaC/Ro= 8.61 (dimensionless value)
One easily ptoves by substituting known formula relations that lambda_C=(2pi/alpha)R_0, where alpha the fine structure constant.
 
  • #6
One easily proves by substituting known formula relations that lambda_C=(2pi/alpha)R_0, where alpha the fine structure constant.
 
  • #7
Lanjarote's first post was right, the second has an arith error.
Its just that some books use h and some use hbar .
 

Related to Compton Radius vs Compton Wavelength

1. What is the difference between Compton Radius and Compton Wavelength?

The Compton Radius and Compton Wavelength are two different physical quantities that are related to the behavior of particles at the quantum level. The Compton Radius, also known as the classical electron radius, is the average distance from the center of an electron to its edge. On the other hand, the Compton Wavelength is the wavelength of a photon that would be scattered by an electron.

2. How are Compton Radius and Compton Wavelength calculated?

The Compton Radius is calculated as the ratio of the electron's charge squared to its mass multiplied by the speed of light squared. This is expressed as a mathematical formula: r_e = e^2/mc^2. The Compton Wavelength is calculated as the ratio of Planck's constant to the electron's mass multiplied by the speed of light. This can be represented as a formula: λ_c = h/mc.

3. What are the units of measurement for Compton Radius and Compton Wavelength?

The units of measurement for Compton Radius are meters (m) or centimeters (cm), depending on the system of measurement used. The units for Compton Wavelength are also meters (m) or centimeters (cm). These units represent the physical distance involved in the calculations and are based on the speed of light and the mass of the electron.

4. How are Compton Radius and Compton Wavelength used in physics?

The Compton Radius and Compton Wavelength are important concepts in the field of quantum mechanics. They are used to describe the behavior of particles at the subatomic level and are essential for understanding phenomena such as electron scattering and the wavelength of photons. They also play a role in calculations involving the fine structure constant and the gravitational interaction between particles.

5. Is there a relationship between Compton Radius and Compton Wavelength?

Yes, there is a relationship between Compton Radius and Compton Wavelength. In fact, the Compton Wavelength can be derived from the Compton Radius, as shown in the formula λ_c = h/mc. This relationship highlights the interdependence of these two quantities and their role in understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

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