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Compton Shift

Wavelength change of scattered photons.

Formula

Δλ=hmec(1−cos⁡θ)\Delta\lambda = \frac{h}{m_e c}(1 - \cos\theta)

Variables

hPlanck constant
m_eElectron mass
\thetaScatter angle

Did You Know?

The Compton effect proved photons carry momentum by showing X-rays recoil off electrons like billiard balls.

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