Compton Scattering in Newtonian Physics

In summary, the conversation is about deriving the non-relativistic equation for Compton scattering. The equation involves the incident and scattered photon's energy, scattering angle, mass of the electron, and the speed of light. The conversation also includes suggestions for making the algebra easier to solve the equation.
  • #1
rpardo
9
0

Homework Statement


Derive the equation non-relativistic equation for Compton scattering

(mc^2) [(1/E2)-(1/E1)]+cos(theta)-[((E1-E2)^2)/(2E1E2)]=1

E1 = Incident Photon's energy
E2 = Scattered Photon's energy
theta= scattering angle
m = mass of electron
c = s

Here is the lab
In other words derive equation 2

http://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/~reception/2440/RelativMech-Compton-Jan10-08.pdf


Homework Equations



Conservation of Energy,conservation of mass, cosine law

The Attempt at a Solution



I've derived the first equation on the lab (relativistic approach)
I am really stumped on how to derive this...its been 4 hours and counting...
Any help at all would be appreciated. I feel like I'm really close but the algebra is the problem

Thanks in advance for your help guys and gals,

Truly appreciated
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
How did you set up the problem?

Here are some suggestions to make the algebra easier:

1. Write the kinetic energy of the electron as [itex]p^2/(2m)[/itex].
2. Don't break the conservation of momentum equation into components.
3. Isolate the electron's momentum in the conservation of momentum equation on one side and then square the equation.
 
  • #3
.


I would first like to commend you for taking on this challenging problem and for seeking help when you are stuck. It shows great determination and dedication to your studies.

Now, to derive the non-relativistic equation for Compton scattering, we need to make some assumptions and simplifications. First, we will assume that the energies of the incident and scattered photons are much smaller than the rest energy of the electron, which is mc^2. This means that the energies can be approximated as E1 ≈ mc^2 and E2 ≈ mc^2.

Next, we will use the conservation of energy and momentum to derive the equation. The initial energy of the system is E1, and the final energy is E2. The initial momentum is zero since the photon is at rest, and the final momentum is p2 = E2/c (using the relativistic expression for momentum).

Conservation of energy: E1 = E2 + K2 (where K2 is the kinetic energy of the scattered electron)

Conservation of momentum: p2 = p1 + p2cosθ (where p1 is the momentum of the incident photon and p2cosθ is the momentum of the scattered photon in the x-direction)

Solving for p2 and substituting into the energy equation, we get:

E1 = (E2^2)/(2mc^2) + E2 + K2

Using the approximation for E1 and E2, and expanding the kinetic energy term using the non-relativistic expression (K2 = p2^2/2m), we get:

mc^2 = (m^2c^4)/(2mc^2) + mc^2 + (p2^2)/(2m)

Simplifying and rearranging, we get:

(p2^2)/(2m) = (m^2c^4)/(2mc^2)

Substituting p2 = E2/c, we get:

(E2^2)/(2m) = (m^2c^2)/2

Multiplying both sides by 2 and rearranging, we get the desired equation:

mc^2[(1/E2) - (1/E1)] + cosθ = 1

This equation is valid for non-relativistic energies, and it reduces to the relativistic equation when E1 and E2 are large compared to the rest energy of the electron.

I
 

Related to Compton Scattering in Newtonian Physics

1. What is Compton Scattering in Newtonian Physics?

Compton Scattering in Newtonian Physics is a phenomenon in which a photon (particle of light) collides with an electron, resulting in the transfer of energy and a change in the wavelength of the photon. This process was discovered by Arthur Holly Compton in 1923, and it provides evidence for the particle-like nature of light.

2. How does Compton Scattering occur?

Compton Scattering occurs when a photon interacts with an electron, either in an atom or a free electron. The photon transfers some of its energy to the electron, increasing its kinetic energy. This causes the photon to lose energy and its wavelength to increase, resulting in a shift towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

3. What is the significance of Compton Scattering in Newtonian Physics?

Compton Scattering is significant because it provides evidence for the particle-like behavior of light, which was previously thought to only exhibit wave-like properties. It also helps to explain the phenomenon of X-ray diffraction and is used in fields such as astrophysics and medical imaging.

4. What factors affect the degree of scattering in Compton Scattering?

The degree of scattering in Compton Scattering is affected by the energy of the incident photon, the mass of the electron, and the angle at which the photon and electron collide. The higher the energy of the photon and the lower the mass of the electron, the greater the degree of scattering will be.

5. How is Compton Scattering different from other types of scattering?

Compton Scattering differs from other types of scattering, such as Rayleigh Scattering and Thomson Scattering, in that it involves the transfer of energy from the incident particle to the scattering particle. In other types of scattering, the energy of the incident particle remains the same. Additionally, Compton Scattering is only significant at high energies, while other types of scattering occur at lower energies.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
510
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
916
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top