Kinetic energy and velocity of electron after compton scatte

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the kinetic energy and velocity of an electron after a Compton scattering event involving a photon with an initial wavelength of 0.1120 nm, which changes to 0.1140 nm post-collision. The correct formula for kinetic energy is derived as E = hc(1/λ - 1/λ'), leading to accurate calculations for the electron's kinetic energy, speed, and the wavelength of the photon produced when the electron is stopped. The initial miscalculation was due to an incorrect rearrangement of the energy equation.

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  • Understanding of Compton scattering principles
  • Familiarity with the equations E = hf and p = E/c
  • Knowledge of photon wavelength calculations
  • Basic concepts of kinetic energy in particle physics
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  • Learn about the implications of energy conservation in particle collisions
  • Explore the relationship between photon energy and wavelength
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Students in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics and particle physics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of Compton scattering and energy calculations.

DeathByKugelBlitz
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Homework Statement


A photon with an initial wavelength of 0.1120 nm collides with a free electron that is initially at rest. After the collision the wavelength is 0.1140 nm .

a) What is the kinetic energy of the electron after the collision?

b) What is its speed?

c) If the electron is suddenly stopped (for example, in a solid target), all of its kinetic energy is used to create a photon. What is the wavelength of this photon?

Homework Equations



E = hf = pc
p = E/c = hf/c = h/λ
λ' - λ = h/mc(1 - cos∅)

The Attempt at a Solution



E = hc/λ - hc/λ' = hc(1/λ - λ')

= 9.945 x 106 which is marked as incorrect

This would make my answers to parts b) and c) incorrect too
 
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I'm so dumb. The correct way to re-arrange the equation is E = hc(1/λ - 1/λ')

I used this and got all three parts correct :smile:
 

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