Understanding the Compton Effect: Explaining Wavelength Change

AI Thread Summary
The Compton effect describes the change in wavelength of X-rays or gamma rays when they scatter off electrons. The formula for the wavelength change involves the initial wavelength, the mass of the electron, the speed of light, and the cosine of the scattering angle. Understanding this relationship is crucial for grasping how energy and momentum conservation principles apply in particle interactions. The discussion highlights the importance of the derivation found in the linked Wikipedia article for further clarity. Overall, the Compton effect illustrates fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics and particle physics.
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Can somebody please explain the Compton effect to me... I don't get how Compton came up with the wavelength after scattering - the initial wavelength = h/the mass of the electron*the speed of light*(1-cosine of the scattering angle). Thank you!
 
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thank you... that really helped!
 

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