An x-ray photon with wavelength 15.0 pm is scattered at 84.0° by an electron. What is the wavelength of the scattered photon?
A) 31.0 pm
B) 14.9 pm
C) 1.57 pm
D) 17.2 pm
E) 12.8 pm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wavelength of the scattered photon can be calculated using the Compton scattering formula: $\Delta \lambda = \lambda' - \lambda = \frac{h}{m_e c} (1 - \cos \theta)$, where $\Delta \lambda$ is the change in wavelength, $\lambda'$ is the wavelength of the scattered photon, $\lambda$ is the initial wavelength of the photon, $h$ is Planck's constant, $m_e$ is the electron mass, $c$ is the speed of light, and $\theta$ is the scattering angle. Given $\lambda = 15.0$ pm and $\theta = 84.0^\circ$, and knowing the values of $h$, $m_e$, and $c$, we can calculate $\Delta \lambda$ and then find $\lambda'$. The correct answer involves applying these constants correctly and understanding that the scattering angle significantly affects the wavelength due to the Compton effect, leading to an increase in the wavelength of the scattered photon to 17.2 pm.

An X-Ray Photon with Wavelength 15