Question

In a Compton scattering experiment, the incident X-rays have a wavelength of 0.2680 nm, and the scattered X-rays have a wavelength of 0.2710 nm. Through what angle in the drawing are the X-rays scattered?

Answer 1

In Compton scattering experiment, scattered wavelength is given by:

lambda1 = lambda + h*(1 - cos A)/(me*c)

me = mass of electron

c = speed of light

h = planck constant

A = scattering angle

lambda = incident wavelength

lambda1 = wavelength after scattering

So,

1 - cos A = (lambda1 - lambda)*me*c/h

cos A = 1 - (lambda1 - lambda)*me*c/h

Using given values:

cos A = 1 - (0.2710 - 0.2680)*10^-9*9.1*10^-31*3*10^8/(6.626*10^-34)

cos A = -0.23604

A = arccos (-0.23604)

A = 103.65 deg

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