Mott's scattering cross-section formula

In summary, the conversation revolved around deriving the Mott's scattering cross section. The given equation was manipulated into a more simplified form using the given units. However, there were concerns about the units inside the cosine term not reducing to unity and a request for suggestions on how to approach this.
  • #1
Demon117
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1

Homework Statement



We were asked to derive the Mott's scattering cross section. Given by

[tex]\sigma(\theta)=(\frac{1}{4k^{4}}) (\frac{1}{(\sin\frac{\theta}{2})^{4}} - \frac{1}{(\cos\frac{\theta}{2})^{4}}\cos[\frac{2}{k}\ln(\cot\frac{\theta}{2})])[/tex]

I get it into this form (that was easy, lengthy but easy) and then we're suppose to use these units:
[itex]\mu=\frac{m}{2}[/itex], [itex]v=\frac{\hbar k}{m}[/itex], and [itex]\alpha = e^{2}[/itex]

to show that it is actually:

[tex]\sigma(\theta)=(\frac{e^{2}}{mv^{2}})^{2} (\frac{1}{(\sin\frac{\theta}{2})^{4}} - \frac{1}{(\cos\frac{\theta}{2})^{4}} \cos[\frac{e^{2}}{\hbar v}\ln(\cot\frac{\theta}{2})])[/tex]

So, either I have completely forgotten how to do dimensional analysis or this equation as written cannot be possible since the units inside the cosine do not reduce to unity. Any suggestion on how to do this?
 
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  • #2
How do the units on the first version of the equation work out? They don't look right there, either.
 

Related to Mott's scattering cross-section formula

What is the Mott's scattering cross-section formula?

The Mott's scattering cross-section formula is a mathematical equation that describes the probability of a particle being scattered when it interacts with another particle, such as an electron or a nucleus. It takes into account the energy and momentum of the particles involved, as well as their quantum properties.

Who developed the Mott's scattering cross-section formula?

The Mott's scattering cross-section formula was developed by British physicist Sir Nevill Francis Mott in the early 1920s. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977 for his contributions to the understanding of the electronic structure of magnetic and disordered systems.

What is the significance of the Mott's scattering cross-section formula?

The Mott's scattering cross-section formula is significant because it provides a theoretical framework for understanding the interactions between particles at the atomic and subatomic level. It has been used in various fields of physics, including nuclear and particle physics, to study the behavior of particles and to make predictions about their behavior.

What are the limitations of the Mott's scattering cross-section formula?

The Mott's scattering cross-section formula is based on certain assumptions and simplifications, such as the particles being point-like and the interactions being instantaneous. This means that it may not accurately describe the behavior of particles in more complex systems. Additionally, it does not take into account the effects of relativity and quantum mechanics, which are important in certain situations.

How is the Mott's scattering cross-section formula used in experiments?

The Mott's scattering cross-section formula can be used in experiments to calculate the probability of a particle being scattered at different angles and energies. By comparing the predicted values with the actual measurements, scientists can test the validity of the formula and gain insights into the properties of particles and their interactions.

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