All Flashcards
Define Compton Scattering.
The scattering of a photon by a charged particle, usually an electron, resulting in a decrease in energy and increase in wavelength of the photon.
What is a photon?
A discrete packet of electromagnetic radiation (light) with energy E = hf, where h is Planck's constant and f is frequency.
Define scattering angle (θ) in Compton scattering.
The angle between the direction of the incident photon and the direction of the scattered photon.
What is Planck's constant (h)?
A fundamental physical constant relating the energy of a photon to its frequency; approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 J·s.
Define wavelength shift (Δλ) in Compton scattering.
The difference between the wavelength of the scattered photon and the wavelength of the incident photon.
What are the steps of Compton Scattering?
- An incident photon collides with a (relatively) free electron. 2. The photon transfers some of its energy and momentum to the electron. 3. The photon is scattered with reduced energy (longer wavelength) at an angle θ. 4. The electron recoils with the gained energy and momentum.
Describe the energy and momentum transfer during Compton scattering.
The incident photon transfers a portion of its energy and momentum to the electron during the collision. This results in the scattered photon having lower energy and momentum, while the electron gains energy and momentum, causing it to recoil.
Explain how the scattering angle affects the change in wavelength.
As the scattering angle (θ) increases, the change in wavelength (Δλ) also increases, according to the Compton scattering equation. The maximum change in wavelength occurs at θ = 180 degrees (backscattering).
Outline the process of calculating the wavelength change in Compton scattering.
- Identify the scattering angle (θ). 2. Use the Compton scattering equation: . 3. Substitute the values for Planck's constant (h), electron mass (me), and speed of light (c). 4. Calculate the change in wavelength (Δλ).
What is the significance of energy and momentum conservation in Compton scattering?
Conservation of energy and momentum allows us to accurately predict the energy and direction of the scattered photon and the recoiling electron. These conservation laws are fundamental to understanding and quantifying the interaction.
Label the following diagram of Compton scattering.
1: Incident Photon, 2: Electron, 3: Scattered Photon, 4: Recoiling Electron, 5: Scattering Angle (θ)
Identify the components in the Compton scattering diagram.
Incoming Photon, Scattered Photon, Electron, Scattering Angle
What does the angle between the incident and scattered photon represent?
The scattering angle (θ)
Label the incoming and outgoing particles in a Compton scattering event.
Incoming: Photon; Outgoing: Photon and Electron
What is the significance of the recoiling electron in the Compton scattering diagram?
It indicates that the electron has gained energy and momentum from the incident photon.