\[\Delta\lambda=\frac{h}{m_ec}(1-\cos\theta)\]
Variables
dLambda[Δλ]Compton wavelength shift (m)
hPlanck constant (J·s)
meelectron mass (kg)
cspeed of light (m/s)
theta[θ]scattering angle (rad)
Description
What is this formula?
The Compton wavelength shift formula calculates the change in wavelength of a photon after colliding with an electron. It experimentally demonstrated that electromagnetic radiation behaves as particles carrying momentum.
When to use it
Use this formula when studying photon-electron interactions, scattering experiments, quantum mechanics, and high-energy physics.
Example
Data:
Scattering angle:
θ=90°
Formula:
Δλ=(h/(mec))(1−cosθ)
Substitution:
Δλ=(6.626×10^-34/(9.11×10^-31×3×10^8))(1−cos90°)
Result:
Δλ=2.43×10^-12 m
Applications
- X-ray scattering
- Quantum mechanics
- Particle physics
- High-energy physics
- Experimental photon studies