Compton Scattering
Wavelength shift of photons scattered by electrons. Confirms particle nature of light.
Variables
Derivation
Derived by treating collision as relativistic particle interaction.
Your notes
Constants in this formula
Other modern physics formulas with the same quantities
- Photon Momentum (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant, Speed of light
- Electron Wavelength (Accelerated) (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant, Electron mass
- Photoelectric Effect (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
- Stopping Potential (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
- de Broglie Wavelength (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
- Particle in a Box Energy Levels (Quantum Mechanics) shares Planck constant
Where this formula is listed
- Modern Physics formulas, under Quantum Mechanics, alongside Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Energy-Time Uncertainty, Time-Dependent Schrödinger Equation, Fermi Energy and Photoelectric Threshold Frequency.
- In the modern physics list it comes after Particle in a Box Energy Levels and before Photon Momentum.
- Modern Physics formula sheet, one of 41 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Compton Scattering formula?
Compton Scattering is written λ′ − λ = (h/(m_e c))(1 − cos θ). Wavelength shift of photons scattered by electrons. Confirms particle nature of light. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Quantum Mechanics.
What are the units in λ′ − λ = (h/(m_e c))(1 − cos θ)?
In SI units, Δλ is wavelength shift, measured in m; λ′ is scattered wavelength, measured in m; λ is incident wavelength, measured in m; h is planck constant, measured in J·s; m_e is electron mass, measured in kg; c is speed of light, measured in m/s; θ is scattering angle, measured in °.
How is the Compton Scattering formula derived?
Derived by treating collision as relativistic particle interaction. The result is λ′ − λ = (h/(m_e c))(1 − cos θ).