Two independent Compton-scattering experiments, A and B

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Modern Physics · Modern Physics

Problem

Two independent Compton-scattering experiments, A and B, each produce a straight-line plot of Δλ\Delta\lambda versus (1−cos⁡θ)(1-\cos\theta). Experiment A yields a slope of 2.43 pm2.43\,\text{pm}, while experiment B yields a slope of 2.00 pm2.00\,\text{pm}. Which of the following statements best accounts for the smaller slope measured in experiment B? (a) A uniform calibration error in the wavelength detector of experiment B adds the same constant to every Δλ\Delta\lambda, thereby decreasing the slope. (b) Photons in experiment B scatter from electrons that are bound in a solid, effectively increasing the electron mass and reducing the slope. (c) Experiment B employs incident photons of higher energy, which directly lowers the slope of the Δλ\Delta\lambda versus (1−cos⁡θ)(1-\cos\theta) graph. (d) In experiment B the scattering angle θ\theta is recorded in degrees instead of radians; this scale change reduces the numerical value of (1−cos⁡θ)(1-\cos\theta) and hence gives a smaller slope.

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