Gamma-ray photons of wavelength are used in a medical imaging experiment
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Modern Physics · Modern Physics
Problem
Gamma-ray photons of wavelength 1.20×10−12m are used in a medical imaging experiment. In one event, a photon is scattered through an angle of 110∘ by an electron that was initially at rest.
(a) Calculate the change in wavelength of the photon produced by this scattering event.
(b) Determine the magnitude of the linear momentum transferred to the electron.
(c) Compute the kinetic energy gained by the electron and express your answer in keV.
(d) Explain, without further calculation, whether increasing the initial photon energy would increase, decrease, or leave unchanged the momentum transferred to the electron for the same scattering angle. Justify your answer with physical reasoning.