What is Compton scattering: Definition and 166 Discussions

Compton scattering, discovered by Arthur Holly Compton, is the scattering of a photon after an interaction with a charged particle, usually an electron. If it results in a decrease in energy (increase in wavelength) of the photon (which may be an X-ray or gamma ray photon), it is called the Compton effect. Part of the energy of the photon is transferred to the recoiling electron. Inverse Compton scattering occurs when a charged particle transfers part of its energy to a photon.

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  1. C

    Compton Scattering: Difficulties with Part C

    Homework Statement I'm having difficulty with part C of this question: Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Using the above equations I correctly calculated the new wavelength of the photon after the collision and using the equations for the photon energies I...
  2. M

    Polarization of Photon after Compton Scattering

    Hi I am trying to find information about the polarization state of a photon after it has been compton scattered. The photon is initially linearly polarized, has a known incoming energy, scattering angle and released energy. Say we ave incoming propagation along the z axis and E field...
  3. J

    Compton Scattering Homework: Find Energy & Angles

    Homework Statement In a relativistic collision between a photon and an electron, the recoiling electron has an energy of 40keV and the scattered photon an energy of 120keV. Find the energy of the photon before the collision, find the angles at which the photon and the electrons are scattered...
  4. E

    Calculating Final Photon Energy in Inverse Compton Scattering

    Homework Statement Suppose that an X ray has initial energy Eγ=100keV, and the incident (relativistic) electron has energy Ee=100GeV. Compute the final energy of the photon E'γ assuming the final direction of the photon makes an angle θ=Π with the initial direction. For solving this problem...
  5. L

    180 degree Compton Scattering: low versus high energy initial photon

    So when you calculate the scattered electron energy and the scattered photon energy (for 180 degree deflection) you get roughly the following (in keV). Photon(in)__Photon(scattered)__Electron(recoil) 27.5_______24.8______________2.7 81_________62_______________19...
  6. P

    How Do We Derive the Compton Electron Energy Equation?

    Hi, I'm not sure how to do B1 part c, can anyone help? http://qm-web.library.qmul.ac.uk/exams/science/physics/2010/PHY-215.pdf
  7. K

    Violet Light and Compton Scattering: Can Photons Be Ejected from a Metal?

    Homework Statement Could violet light ejecto photons from a metal by compton scattering? Homework Equations no The Attempt at a Solution If a photon of violet light is backscattered 180, the electron gain most energy(6.03*10^(-24)J). While the work function is aby a few eVs, but...
  8. U

    Searching Book about QED; compton scattering of polarized photons

    does anybody know a book, where the compton-scattering with respect to the initial photon-polarisation is calculated? (beside landau-lifschitz-berestetzki)
  9. G

    Compton Scattering Concept Question

    Hi, I had an issue with compton scattering that I never received a satisfactory answer for. My issue was that after the collision, there exists a y component of momentum... but all diagrams of the compton effect align the axis center to center from the photon to the electron and on top of...
  10. J

    Compton Scattering with Moving Electron

    Homework Statement Compton's derivation of his scattering formula: \delta \lambda \equiv \lambda' - \lambda = \frac{hc}{m_e c^2} (1 - cos\theta) assumed that that the target electrons were at rest. In reality, they are orbiting around nuclei. In a material like lead, the electrons have a...
  11. S

    Compton Scattering of Electron

    Homework Statement Suppose a 0.511[MeV] photon from a positron-electron annihilation scatters at 110 degrees from a free electron. What are the energies of the scattered photon and the recoiling electron? Relative to the initial direction of the 0.511[MeV] photon, what is the direction of the...
  12. Borg

    Compton scattering angle question

    I've been reading some of my old physics books and I'm currently reading about Compton scattering. It got me to thinking - is there is a minimum Compton scattering angle? Is there a point where it becomes highly unlikely (or impossible) for a photon to be Compton scattered?
  13. P

    - Compton Scattering - Electron Momentum

    URGENT - Compton Scattering - Electron Momentum Homework Statement An x-ray photon of initial energy 1x10^5 eV traveling in the +x direction is incident on a free electron at rest. The photon is scattered at right angles into the +y direction. Find the components of momentum of the...
  14. D

    Compton scattering in relativistic flow

    For reference: http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9912312" The paper linked above notes in the introduction: The authors are performing this calculation for an isotropic electron distribution. However, for my work, I am considering an electron population with a relativistic macroscopic bulk...
  15. R

    Compton Scattering experiment help

    Homework Statement What parts of the Compton Collision experiment can be explained using classical models and which require the "photon" model? Anyone can help me with this question?
  16. J

    A Quick Question on Compton Scattering

    [b]1. A photon of wavelength 1.000nm is scattered by a muon initially at rest. What is the deflection angle of the photon if its wavelength after scattering is 1.001nm? Homework Equations \lambda^{'} - \lambda = \frac{h}{mc} (1 - cos(\vartheta) Assume that the mass of the muon is 200 times...
  17. L

    Does Compton Scattering Have No Effect on Electron Energy and Velocity?

    A quick question regarding compton scattering: if we consider the situation in which a photon incident on a free electron is scattered through an angle of 180 degrees, its energy essentially does not change. Since energy must be conserved, I assume this means there is no effect whatsoever on the...
  18. H

    How is Compton scattering calculated without using quantum field theory?

    I need a calculation section of the article without Compton scattering method does not use quantum field theory. Can you help me? I thank a lot!
  19. L

    Compton Scattering: What is the Difference from Electron-Photon Absorption?

    Hi all. Here is the question: Compton scattering I understood is, any wavelength phton can kick an electron, hecnce change its momentum. However, I also learned in the electron phton absorbtion process, if the photon's energy smaller than the energy difference between the two states of the...
  20. L

    Why is the formula for Compton scattering not affected by binding energy?

    Why is it that the formula for compton scattering does not include the binding energy for an electron to the nucleus? Seems like the scattered electron can have a continuous range of energies from 0 to h/mc. Why isn't this quantized?
  21. R

    Compton Scattering Using Newtonian Physics

    Hey guys, Im trying to derive the following equation (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 Using conservation of energy,conservation of mass, and...
  22. R

    Compton Scattering in Newtonian Physics

    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...
  23. D

    Compton scattering, angle of recoiled electron

    Trying to find the angle of the velocity vector from a recoiled electron after an impact from a photon. I have already found the initial energy of the photon, and the energy of the scattered photon, and so can calculate the momentums. I know the photon is scattered at an angle of 110...
  24. D

    Compton Scattering formula for 180 degree scattering.

    Hi, I'm trying to derive a simple formula for 180° scattering. I've got to this stage and I really can't figure out how to simplify it further. \[ \frac{1}{\lambda}-\frac{1}{\lambda'} = \frac{2m_ec}{h} \] What I actually need is: \[ \lambda' - \lambda = \frac{2h}{m_ec} \] I'm...
  25. S

    Compton Scattering in Laymen's terms

    I just need an explanation of this. Found it in a question. :smile: Also, photons when absorb by an electron in an atom, does the energy (if less than the ionisation energy) have to be exactly equivalent to one of the energy states and if it isn't what happens? You probably think I suck at...
  26. A

    Basic Question about Thomson and Compton Scattering

    Ok so I am doing a project on the derivation of the Compton Effect, and I would like to briefly discuss Thomson scattering, but I'm having a little trouble understanding what happens in Thomson scattering. This is what I think I understand so far: When a photon enters matter and interacts...
  27. X

    Compton Scattering (Back-Scattering)

    Homework Statement Consider the situation where high-energy gamma rays are striking a detector after scattering off of the electrons in the material surrounding a detector. Show that if the gamma rays are perfectly back-scattered by the material, such that the scattering angle is θ = 180...
  28. N

    Compton Scattering and Conservation of Momentum

    Homework Statement photon scatter angle is theta, electron recoil angle is phi prove tan(phi) = (1+hf/mc^2)^-1 cot(theta/2) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Conservation of energy is the same as in here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_scattering...
  29. T

    Compton Scattering - Energy Conservation

    Homework Statement Using conservation of relativistic energy and momentum, show that for Compton scattering from a free electron, the energy-angle formula for the electron is T=m_0c^2\frac{2\alpha^2cos^2\phi}{1+2\alpha+\alpha^2sin^2\phi} where T = kinetic energy given to electon...
  30. T

    Compton Scattering and maximum energy

    Homework Statement If the maximum kinetic energy given to the electrons in a Compton scattering experiment is 10 keV, what is the wavelength of the incident X-Rays? Homework Equations \Delta\lambda = (h/mc)*(1-cos\theta) E = hc/\lambda \Delta\lambda = \lambdascattered - \lambdaincident...
  31. D

    Inverse Compton scattering in SR

    This is actually for a graduate course but it's a basic special relativity problem, i.e. undergraduate-level material, so I'm posting it here... Homework Statement Homework Equations U^{\mu} = (1, 0, 0, 0) (in the observer's rest frame) V^{\mu} = (\gamma, \gamma \vec{v}) P^{\mu} =...
  32. P

    Angle of Photon after Compton Scattering

    Homework Statement A photon whose energy equals the rest energy of the electron undergoes a Compton collision with an electron if the electron moves off at an angle of 40 degrees with the original photon direction, what is the energy of the scattered photon.Homework Equations E2 = (m0c2)2 +...
  33. K

    How Does Compton Scattering Affect Photon Wavelength and Energy?

    Homework Statement 48. If a 6.0 keV photon scatters from a free proton at rest, what is the change in the photon's wavelength if the photon recoils at 90 degrees? 52. A gamma ray of 700 keV energy compton-scatters from an electron. Find the energy of the photon scattered at 110 degrees...
  34. E

    Compton scattering and Bragg diffraction

    Hi! I know that x-rays interact with matter (compton effect). But I also know that when X-rays are incident on a crystal, they are diffracted following the Bragg's law. My question is: why is the x-ray diffracted when it is incident on a crystal, but it isn't scattered by comtpon scattering?
  35. D

    Compton Scattering cross section calculation

    Not technically homework, just something I wanted to see if I could do. Homework Statement Find the differential cross section for the interaction between an electron and a photon via compton scattering. Basically, I'm just after calculating the matrix (s-matrix?/amplitude?) for the s-channel...
  36. C

    Compton scattering contributes to color in any way?

    Is compton scattering the reason why different substance have different colors? I was thinking along the lines of substanes with higher energy electrons around the atom wouldn't cause too much of a change in the photons wavelength and atoms with lower energy electrons will absorb more energy...
  37. snoopies622

    Is Compton Scattering Valid at 180 Degrees?

    Does the Compton scattering equation \lambda ' - \lambda = \frac{h}{m_{e} c} (1-cos \theta ) work even when \theta = 180^{\circ}?
  38. L

    Compton scattering and the energies of incident and scattered photons ?

    Compton scattering and the energies of incident and scattered photons...? [b]Hey guys! I'm alittle stuck...Hope you can shed light on this for me! The question is: 'In a head-on compton encounter, the total energy (i.e the rest mass plus the kinetic energy) of the scattered electron is...
  39. M

    Is Radiative Loss Accounted for in the Usual Treatment of Compton Scattering?

    In the usual calculaltion of the Compton effect we assume an elastic collision between a photon and an electron. Energy and momentum of the particles are conserved before and after the collision. In fact, the electron is subject to a high acceleration during the collision, and classically it...
  40. U

    Question about Photoelectric Effect versus Compton Scattering.

    In the context of interaction of photons (with energies from around visible light and upwards) and the electrons of solid matter. I've read that at the lower energy levels that the photoelectric effect is more likely to occur during such an interaction and that Compton scattering is more likely...
  41. P

    Compton Scattering: .1 MeV Photon & Recoil Energies

    Homework Statement A photon of initial energy .1 MeV undergoes Compton scattering at an angle of 60degrees. Find: The energy of the scattered photon The recoil energy of the electron the recoil angle of the electronHomework Equations \Delta\lambda= (h/mc)(1-cos\theta)The Attempt at a Solution
  42. P

    Compton Scattering Problem

    Homework Statement Show that, regardless of its initial energy, a photon cannot undergo compton scattering through an angle of more than 60 degrees and still be able to produce an electron positron pair. (Hint: Start by expressing the Compton wavelength of the electron in terms of the...
  43. A

    Calculating Energy Change in Compton Scattering

    Can Someone look over this and tell me if the work is correct. Homework Statement An object comes in with known velocity (v) and known mass (m) moving directly along the x-axis. It strikes another object of the same mass (m) which is stationary. Find the change in energy of the incoming...
  44. X

    Mastering Compton Scattering Squaring for Scientists

    Homework Statement How to square this : (Pi+m.c-Pf)^2 ? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I did : Pi^2 + m^2*c^2 + Pf^2... but then I don't know the rest of the completion.. please help me.. Thank you in advance..
  45. D

    Compton Scattering Effect: Max Kinetic Energy

    Okay, so I have two questions, both pertaining to the Compton Effect. Homework Statement Evaluate the maximum kinetic energy for a recoiling electron that is struck by a photon with momentum 0.04MeV/c Homework Equations Maximum Kinetic energy: E_{k} = \frac{hf}{1 + (mc^{2}/2hf}...
  46. A

    Compton Scattering Using Mandel-Stam Variables

    Homework Statement Not homework, just for fun. I want to derive Compton Scattering equations using Mandel-Stam variables as opposed to the way that I have done it in class using the usual energy and momentum conservation Homework Equations (p_\mu+p_{ei}_\mu)^2=(p'_\mu+p_e_\mu)^{2}=s p is the...
  47. N

    Compton Scattering from bound electrons

    Can anyone please refer to a link where Compton Scattering is treated considering the electron to be bound in the atom?
  48. N

    Compton Scattering MCQ: Min No. of Collisions to Absorb Photon

    Homework Statement A photon of wavelength \lambda enters an electron gas.What is the minimum number of collisions that could result in the photon being completely absorbed in the gas? (a) \approx\lambda\frac{mc}{2h} (b) \approx\lambda\frac{mc}{h} (c) \approx\lambda\frac{2mc}{h}...
  49. Z

    What Is the Incident Photon Wavelength in Maximum Energy Compton Scattering?

    Homework Statement If the maximum energy transferred to an electron during Compton Scattering is 50KeV, what is the wavelength of the incident photon? Homework Equations \lambda' - \lambda_{o} = h/(Me*c)(1-cos\theta) The Attempt at a Solution We know that the maximum energy...
  50. E

    Compton Wavelength Change: Blue Light & X-Rays

    [b]1. Homework Statement [/b Robinett question One of my homework questions in the Compton scattering section asks: "Evaluate the fractional change in wavelength delta lambda/lamdba, for incident blue light and X-rays? It also gives the wavelength of blue light and X-rays. I do not know what...
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