Two separate Compton-scattering experiments are carried out with photons of identical…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter · Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Problem
Two separate Compton-scattering experiments are carried out with photons of identical initial wavelength λ0. In Experiment A the scattering angle is 45∘; in Experiment B the scattering angle is 135∘. The measured scattered wavelengths are λA′ and λB′, respectively.
Answer the following.
(a) Calculate the theoretical wavelength shifts ΔλA and ΔλB predicted for the two experiments.
(b) Using only the results of part (a), rank Experiments A and B in order of how strongly their outcomes would contradict classical wave predictions if the observed shifts match the theoretical values. Justify your ranking.
(c) Suppose that in Experiment A the measured shift agrees with the theoretical value within experimental uncertainty, but in Experiment B the measured shift is half the theoretical prediction. Discuss two possible physical or experimental reasons for this discrepancy.