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benzun_1999
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dear reader,
what is comptons effect.how did compton do this experiment?[?]
what is comptons effect.how did compton do this experiment?[?]
Explore Compton's Effect: Uncovering the Mystery
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In summary, Compton's effect, also known as the Compton scattering, refers to the decrease in energy of X-rays when they are scattered at a certain angle from a material. This effect was discovered by physicist Arthur Holly Compton in 1923 while studying the scattering of X-rays. He found that the increase in wavelength of the scattered X-rays was dependent on the angle of scattering, and this formula was applicable to all materials and incoming wavelengths. This discovery was groundbreaking in the field of quantum physics and was published in multiple journals and textbooks.
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marcus
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Originally posted by benzun_1999
dear reader,
what is comptons effect.how did compton do this experiment?[?]
Some background: It was in 1923 and he was studying the scattering of Xrays
he would irradiate a sample of some material with Xrays of a known wavelength and measure the difference in wavelength of the Xrays scattered at some definite angle from the sample
he found a formula which says that the bigger the angle of scattering the more of a reduction in energy of the Xrays----in other words the bigger the increase in wavelength
[longer wavelength Xrays have less quantum energy and less penetrating power---he could measure the wavelength by measuring how thick a barrier the Xrays could penetrate]
Compton assumed that the scattering was by outershell electrons in the material of the target. To a first approximation that is the Xray was scattered by one collision with one (essentially free floating) electron.the formula says
increase in wavelength = (h/mc)(1 - cosine(scatter angle))
= 0.0242 (1 - cosg) angstroms
So if the angle of scatter was 90 degrees (with cosine zero) then the wavelength would be reduced by 0.02 angstroms
This is headline news because it does not depend on the material and it does not depend on the incoming wavelength
The original publication in 1923 was
Physics Review volume 21 pages 207,483,715
and volume 22, page 409
I'm getting this out of a more-than-60 year old physics text that belonged to a physicist of the pre-1940 generation, it is a fascinating book and describes a lot of the early quantum physics experiments in considerable detail. Doubtless there is more to be had on the web.
Compton's name was Arthur Holly Compton
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FAQ: Explore Compton's Effect: Uncovering the Mystery
What is Compton's effect and why is it important?
Compton's effect refers to a phenomenon in which X-rays lose energy when they interact with matter. This effect is important because it helps us understand the behavior of X-rays, which are used in various industries such as medicine and security.
How was Compton's effect discovered?
Compton's effect was discovered by Arthur Compton in 1923 through an experiment in which he observed scattered X-rays having a longer wavelength than the incident X-rays. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927.
What are the practical applications of Compton's effect?
Compton's effect has several practical applications, such as in medical imaging where it is used to produce images of bones and tissues. It is also used in security scanners at airports to detect hidden objects. In addition, it is used in material science to study the structure of materials.
How does Compton's effect contribute to our understanding of quantum mechanics?
Compton's effect is one of the key experiments that demonstrated the wave-particle duality of light. It showed that light can behave like both a wave and a particle, which is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics.
Is Compton's effect still relevant in modern science?
Yes, Compton's effect is still a relevant and important concept in modern science. It continues to be studied and applied in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering. It also serves as a basis for further research and advancements in these fields.