Separate Compton effect experiments are carried out using visible light and x rays. The scattered radiation is observed at the same scattering angle. For these experiments:
A) the x rays have the greater shift in wavelength and the greater change in photon energy
B) the two radiations have the same shift in wavelength and the x rays have the greater change in photon energy
C) the two radiations have the same shift in wavelength and the visible light has the greater change in photon energy
D) the two radiatons have the same shift in wavelength and the same change in photon energy
E) the visible light has the greater shift in wavelength and the greater shift in photon energy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Compton effect is a result of inelastic scattering of photons by free electrons. The scattered radiation experiences a shift in wavelength, known as the Compton shift, due to the energy and momentum transfer between the photon and the electron. According to the Compton formula, the magnitude of the Compton shift depends on both the incident photon energy and the scattering angle.

In general, higher-energy photons lead to a larger Compton shift and a larger change in photon energy. Therefore, in the given experiment, the x rays, with higher energy than visible light, should have a greater shift in wavelength and a greater change in photon energy. However, since the scattered radiation is observed at the same scattering angle for both experiments, the Compton shift should be the same for visible light and x rays. Therefore, the answer is B, where the two radiations have the same shift in wavelength and the x rays have the greater change in photon energy.

Separate Compton Effect Experiments Are Carried Out Using Visible Light