Compton Effect: Electron Ejection & Potential Energy

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of compton scattering and the ejection of electrons from atoms. There is a question about the difference in energies of the two photons and how it affects the kinetic and potential energy of the electron. Another doubt is raised about the assumption that the electron is at rest before the collision. The potential energy of the electron is also questioned and why it is not considered in the compton effect formula. The explanation is that the photon energy is usually much larger than the binding energy of most electrons, so it can be neglected and assumed that the electron is at rest.
  • #1
vin300
603
4
The text on wikipedia says that due to compton scattering, the electron is ejected from the atom, but if so, the difference in energies of the two photons will not appear entirely as its kinetic energy, some of it must be used to overcome its potential energy, i.e. binding energy must be supplied to the electron.
The other doubt is that the electron is considered to be at rest before the collision, but I cannot imagine why the electron should be at rest within the atom.
 
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  • #2
Why is the potential energy of the electron not taken into account while deriving the compton effect formula?
 
  • #3
If you consider the compton effect, the photon energy is usually much larger than the binding energy of most of the electrons. While the photon might have something like 100keV, most electrons are bound with ~100eV or less. Therefore, this energy is neglected, and it can be assumed to be at rest.
 

1. What is the Compton Effect?

The Compton Effect, also known as Compton Scattering, is a phenomenon in which an incident photon (usually X-ray or gamma ray) collides with an electron, resulting in the ejection of the electron and a decrease in the photon's energy.

2. How does the Compton Effect lead to electron ejection?

When a photon collides with an electron, it transfers some of its energy to the electron. This causes the electron to be ejected from its atom or molecule, resulting in a change in the electron's kinetic energy and momentum.

3. What is the potential energy involved in the Compton Effect?

The potential energy involved in the Compton Effect refers to the energy of the incident photon before and after the collision with the electron. The decrease in energy of the photon is equal to the increase in kinetic energy of the ejected electron.

4. How does the Compton Effect impact the wavelength of the incident photon?

The Compton Effect causes the wavelength of the incident photon to increase due to the decrease in its energy. This phenomenon is known as the Compton Shift and is used to measure the energy of X-ray and gamma ray photons.

5. What is the significance of the Compton Effect in modern physics?

The Compton Effect played a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics and the understanding of the dual nature of light as both a particle and a wave. It also has practical applications in medical imaging and materials science.

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