A 0.100-nm photon collides with a stationary electron. After the collision, the photon recoils backward and the electron moves forward. The electron's kinetic energy is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is found using the conservation of energy and momentum, specifically through the Compton scattering formula. The energy of the photon before the collision can be calculated using the formula E = hc/λ, where h is Planck's constant (6.626 x 10^-34 m^2 kg / s), c is the speed of light (3.00 x 10^8 m/s), and λ is the wavelength of the photon (0.100 nm or 0.100 x 10^-9 m). This gives the initial photon energy, which is then partially transferred to the electron as kinetic energy. The difference in the photon's energy before and after the collision (taking into account the shift in wavelength due to the recoil) gives the kinetic energy transferred to the electron. The specific value of 592 keV is obtained through detailed calculation, taking into account the relativistic effects and the conservation laws.

A 0100-Nm Photon Collides with a Stationary Electron