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What are the steps of Compton Scattering?
1. 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.
1. Identify the scattering angle (θ). 2. Use the Compton scattering equation: $\Delta \lambda = \frac{h}{m_e c}(1 - \cos \theta)$. 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.
What is the effect of a larger scattering angle in Compton scattering?
A larger scattering angle results in a greater transfer of energy to the electron and a larger increase in the photon's wavelength.
What is the effect of a photon colliding with an electron?
The photon transfers some of its energy and momentum to the electron, resulting in a scattered photon with lower energy and a longer wavelength.
What is the effect of increasing the energy of the incident photon?
The energy transferred to the electron increases, and the scattered photon retains a higher energy level compared to a lower-energy incident photon.
What is the effect of backscattering (θ = 180°) on the photon's wavelength?
Backscattering results in the maximum possible increase in the photon's wavelength (Δλ = 2h/mec).
What is the effect of Compton scattering on the evidence for the particle nature of light?
It provides strong experimental evidence supporting the particle nature of light by demonstrating that photons behave like particles with specific energy and momentum.
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.