In Compton scattering, what occurs when a photon interacts with an electron?

In Compton scattering, what occurs when a photon interacts with an electron?

• A. The photon and electron are scattered in the same direction.
• B. The photon and electron are scattered in different directions.
• C. The photon is absorbed and no electron recoil occurs.
• D. The electron is ejected with no photon scattering.

Answer: (B)

In Compton scattering, a photon collides with a free or loosely bound electron and they both scatter, not just one particle absorbing the energy. The photon leaves with lower energy and changes direction, while the electron recoils in a different direction with some kinetic energy. This outcome comes from conserving both energy and momentum in the collision, so you see deflection of the photon and a recoil of the electron rather than the photon being fully absorbed or both moving in exactly the same line. The other possibilities describe the photon being absorbed or no photon scattering at all, which are not Compton scattering.

In Compton scattering, a photon collides with a free or loosely bound electron and they both scatter, not just one particle absorbing the energy. The photon leaves with lower energy and changes direction, while the electron recoils in a different direction with some kinetic energy. This outcome comes from conserving both energy and momentum in the collision, so you see deflection of the photon and a recoil of the electron rather than the photon being fully absorbed or both moving in exactly the same line. The other possibilities describe the photon being absorbed or no photon scattering at all, which are not Compton scattering.