Compton Effect: Electromagnetic Interaction with Electrons

[blackmatters]

Here's what I know... the xray hits an electron and the electron goes of at some angle, with the xray deflecting the other way. I was curious if a certain portion of the electric versus the magnetic waves are transferred into the electron for momentum and another portion for the new(is it a new wavelength that comes out after the collision?) wave that goes off the other way.

So example... I know that Elec. and Mag waves run in perpendicular form as they go through space, but does, say, only the magnetic affect the electrons movement? Do both waves interact with the electron? Thanks!

*edit* I know this effect is 'quantum' but I thought my question was more EM related, hence the post here... sorry if its not correct, though.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Yes, both electromagnetic waves interact with the electron. In fact, according to the theory of quantum mechanics, the electron interacts with both electric and magnetic fields via their respective forces. The force that is exerted by the electromagnetic field on the electron depends on the strength of the field, as well as the charge of the electron. When an electromagnetic wave collides with an electron, it causes the electron to change its direction and speed, and a new wave is emitted in the opposite direction. This new wave has a different frequency and wavelength than the original wave.