How Do We Derive the Compton Electron Energy Equation?

In summary, the first bit of the conversation asks you to derive the Compton scattering formula. If you know the angle between the incident and out going light rays, then you can calculate the wavelength of the scattered light.
  • #1
P-Jay1
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Hi, I'm not sure how to do B1 part c, can anyone help?

http://qm-web.library.qmul.ac.uk/exams/science/physics/2010/PHY-215.pdf
 
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  • #2
just using momentum conservation

[tex]\frac{h}{\lambda} = cos(\theta)\frac{h}{\lambda'} + cos(\phi)p_{\mu}[/tex]

you can get [tex]p_{\mu}[/tex] from the other momentum conservation equation i.e.

[tex]0 = sin(\theta)\frac{h}{\lambda'} - sin(\phi)p_{\mu}[/tex]

and you can get the [tex]\lambda'[/tex] in terms of [tex]\lambda[/tex] from the Compton formula now you have all the ingredients to solve for [tex]\lambda[/tex]
 
  • #3
I keep getting lambda equal to lambda' - I'm at a dead end. If both angles are 30, then Pmuon is equal to h/lambda' , right? Excuse the lack of symbology
 
  • #4
I can't get into that area in the link..

Cant you copy/paste?
 
  • #5
frozenguy said:
I can't get into that area in the link..

Cant you copy/paste?


I can't, i'll type it roughly

Basically the first bit asks you to derive the Compton scattering formula.

And for the second the the question to the answer I want is-

Q. Consider the case where the angle between the incident and out going light rays is 30 degrees. Calculate the value of the incident wavelength when also the angle between the incident light ray and recoiling electron is 30 degrees.
 
  • #6
Is it even possible to derive the wavelength in its entirety when you only know the angle?
 
  • #7
P-Jay1 said:
Is it even possible to derive the wavelength in its entirety when you only know the angle?

well.. I've never derived the equation and I'll need to think about it for a second..

But the relation of the angle of recoiling electron (phi) to the angle of scattered photon (theta) is this: [tex]P_{p}sin\theta = P_{e}sin\phi[/tex]

With Pp = momentum of scattered photon
Pe = momentum of recoiling electron

The momentum of the scattered photon is given by [tex]\frac{hc}{\lambda'}\frac{1}{c}[/tex] (the 1/c is for units only. The hc is in units of [nm*eV] so the momentum will be in eV/c)

The momentum of the recoiling electron is [tex]\frac{\sqrt{K^{2}_{e} + 2K_{e}m_{e}c^{2}}}{c}[/tex]


With [tex]K_{e} = hc\left(\frac{1}{\lambda} - \frac{1}{\lambda'}\right)[/tex]


And of course you have the compton formula which you need to learn how to derive I guess as well lol.. It will relate [tex]\lambda[/tex] and [tex]\lambda'[/tex]

You have theta and phi, both are thirty degrees.


The derivation starts with [tex]\lambda' = \lambda + \Delta\lambda[/tex]
 
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  • #8
P-Jay1 said:
I keep getting lambda equal to lambda' - I'm at a dead end. If both angles are 30, then Pmuon is equal to h/lambda' , right? Excuse the lack of symbology

If both angles are thirty degrees, that means that the momentum of the scattered photon = momentum of recoiling electron.
 
  • #9
Finally! The penny has dropped. Thanks for the help.
 
  • #10
how can we derive the equation of energy of compton electron

Ee = hν{α (1 − cosθ )/[1 + α (1 − cosθ )]}

where

α=hν/m0 c^2
m0=mass of electron
 

FAQ: How Do We Derive the Compton Electron Energy Equation?

What is Compton scattering?

Compton scattering is a phenomenon in which a photon interacts with an electron, resulting in a change in the photon's wavelength and direction of propagation.

How does Compton scattering occur?

Compton scattering occurs when a photon collides with an electron, transferring some of its energy to the electron. The photon's wavelength increases, while the electron's kinetic energy increases, causing it to move in a different direction.

What is the importance of Compton scattering in physics?

Compton scattering is important in understanding the dual nature of light as both a wave and a particle. It also has applications in various fields, such as medical imaging and astrophysics.

What factors affect the amount of scattering in Compton scattering?

The amount of scattering in Compton scattering is affected by the energy and angle of the incident photon, as well as the mass and velocity of the electron.

How is Compton scattering used in medical imaging?

Compton scattering is used in medical imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The scattering of X-rays by different tissues in the body allows for the creation of contrast in the images.

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