Compton scattering is a phenomenon in which a photon (electromagnetic radiation) collides with a charged particle, typically an electron, and loses some of its energy. This results in a change in the wavelength of the photon.
During Compton scattering, the photon transfers some of its energy to the electron. This results in a change in the wavelength of the photon, which is directly proportional to the amount of energy transferred. This change in wavelength is known as the Compton shift.
The largest shift in wavelength during Compton scattering occurs when the photon has the maximum energy possible and collides head-on with an electron at rest. In this case, the shift in wavelength is equal to the initial wavelength of the photon.
The minimum energy transfer during Compton scattering occurs when the photon has the minimum possible energy and collides with an electron at rest. In this case, the energy transferred to the electron is equal to the initial energy of the photon.
Compton scattering is used in various fields of science, including physics, chemistry, and medicine. It is used to study the properties of materials, such as their atomic structure and composition. It is also used in medical imaging techniques, such as CT scans, to create images of the inside of the body. Additionally, Compton scattering is used in particle accelerators to study the behavior of particles at high energies.