PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Particles and radiation · Particles and radiation
Problem
Two monochromatic beams are incident on identical, free electrons that are initially at rest.
• Beam A – X-rays of wavelength 0.050 nm
• Beam B – γ-rays of wavelength 0.0050 nm
In separate experiments, a photon from each beam is scattered through the same angle of 60°. The accepted value of the Compton wavelength of the electron is 0.00243 nm.
(a) Calculate the numerical value of the wavelength increase, Δλ, for each beam.
(b) For each beam, determine the percentage increase in wavelength, expressed to two significant figures.
(c) Identify which beam’s photons experience the greater percentage loss of energy and explain the physical reason for this outcome.