An X-ray photon of wavelength 0.10 nm is Compton-scattered from a free electron.The greatest observed shift in wavelength,as seen in the scattered photon,is
A)0.0012 nm
B)0.0024 nm
C)0.0048 nm
D)0.18 nm
E)0.10 nm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Compton shift in wavelength is given by the formula: 
Δλ = λ - λ' = (h/mec) * (1 - cosθ)
Where λ' is the wavelength of the scattered photon, θ is the scattering angle, h is the Planck constant, me is the mass of the electron, and c is the speed of light.

The maximum shift in wavelength will occur when the scattering angle is 180° (backscattering). In this case, cosθ = -1, and the formula becomes:

Δλ = (2h/mec) = 0.0048 nm

Therefore, the greatest observed shift in wavelength is 0.0048 nm, which is choice C.

An X-Ray Photon of Wavelength 0