What are the frequency and speed of a photon after scattering

AI Thread Summary
After scattering off free electrons, the frequency of photons decreases while their speed remains constant, as the speed of light is always c. The kinetic energy gained by the electrons results in a loss of energy for the photons, leading to a lower frequency. The correct answer to the homework question is (A), indicating that the frequency is lower but the speed remains the same. It's important to note that photons do not possess kinetic energy; instead, they have electromagnetic energy. This discussion clarifies the relationship between photon energy, frequency, and scattering effects.
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Homework Statement


Photons incident upon free electrons that are essen- tially at rest are scattered by the electrons. As a consequence, the electrons gain kinetic energy. How do the frequency and speed of the photons present after the scattering compare to those present before the scattering?

Photon Frequency after scattering Photon Speed After scattering

(A) Lower Same
(B) Lower Less
(C) Same less
(D) Higher less
(E) Highe greater

Homework Equations


KE=hƒ-∅, where ∅ is the work function
Energy of a photon= hƒ= hc/λ, where c is the speed of light.

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Photons speed doesn’t change, c is always constant. And ƒ and KE are proportional, so as the electron gain KE the photon loses its KE and so frequency decreases. It’s written in the answer key C, so I want to check if I am correct.
 
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You are right. (A) is the correct answer.

Edit: We would not say that the photon has KE. It has electromagnetic energy. But I think you have the right idea.
 
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