Compton Scattering Formula

The Compton Scattering Formula calculates the change in a proton's wavelength after colliding with an electron and transferring some of its energy. 

INSTRUCTIONS: Enter the following

• (m_e) Electron Mass - electrons have a constant mass and can be represented as m_e. One electron mass is represented as 1
• (θ) Scattering angle - this is the angle between the photon's initial path and its path after collision

Compton Shift (Δλ): The Compton Shift is the change in wavelength of the photon.

• Δλ - Compton Shift
• h - Plank's Constant 6.62607015E-34 J·s
• m_e - Electron mass (at rest = 1 me) 
• c - Speed of light (in a vacuum = 299792458 m/s)
• θ - Scattering angle (radians)

The Math / Science

The Compton scattering formula is a mathematical equation that describes the interaction between a photon (a particle of light) and an electron, resulting in the scattering of the photon. This phenomenon, known as Compton scattering, provides evidence for the particle-like behavior of light and helps us understand the wave-particle duality of photons.

When a high-energy photon collides with an electron, it transfers some of its energy and momentum to the electron, causing the photon to change direction and lose energy. The Compton scattering formula quantifies this relationship between the energy and momentum of the incident and scattered photons.