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Compton Scattering
AP Physics 2 · Unit 15 Modern Physics
Learning Objectives
Δλ = (h/mₑc)(1 − cosθ)
Wavelength increases (longer) after scattering
Maximum shift at θ = 180° (backscatter)
Compton wavelength: h/(mₑc) = 2.426 pm
Compton Formula
Δλ = λ_c(1 − cosθ)
λ_c = h/(mₑc) = 2.426 pm
λ' = λ + Δλ
Tags
Compton
scattering
photon
wave-particle
AP Physics 2
Scattering angle θ (°)
90
Incident λ (pm)
71.1
Results
Δλ (pm)
0
λ' (pm)
0
E incident
0
E scattered
0
E electron
0
Δλ_max
4.85 pm