A student asserts that a photon scattered by a free electron can experience an…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Modern Physics · Modern Physics
Problem
A student asserts that a photon scattered by a free electron can experience an arbitrarily large increase in wavelength simply by choosing a suitable scattering angle.
(a) Using geometric or algebraic reasoning, identify the angle that produces the maximum possible wavelength increase and the angle that produces no change in wavelength. Provide a concise explanation based on the properties of the cosine function.
(b) Explain why the student’s claim of an unlimited wavelength increase is incorrect. In your answer, discuss the mathematical limits on the change in wavelength and relate them to physically meaningful photon energies.