Compton effect

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the increase in wavelength of monochromatic, electromagnetic radiation, as a beam of photons or x-rays, when it is scattered by particles whose size is small compared to the wavelength of the radiation.

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Compton effect British  

/ ˈkɒmptən /

noun

1. a phenomenon in which a collision between a photon and a particle results in an increase in the kinetic energy of the particle and a corresponding increase in the wavelength of the photon

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Compton effect Scientific  

1. An increase in the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, especially of x-rays or gamma-rays, when the photons constituting the radiation collide with free electrons. As a result of the Compton effect, the photons transfer some of their energy to the electrons. It is mainly through the Compton effect that matter absorbs radiant energy.

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Etymology

Origin of Compton effect

First recorded in 1920–25; named after A. H. Compton

Example Sentences

That scattering, aka the Compton effect, can be achieved by sending laser light and an electron beam on a collision course.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2024

Related: The Straight Outta Compton effect: prepare to see a lot more rap films A trailer for the new film, which features American actor Tsalta Baptiste as Tupac, has hit the web.

From The Guardian • Nov. 24, 2015

In an experiment in which the Compton effect is observed, a “gamma ray” photon with a wavelength of 5.00 × 10–13 m scatters from an electron.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Figure 29.18 The Compton effect is the name given to the scattering of a photon by an electron.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

This "Compton effect" went far to explain photo-electricity and to make the old idea of a light-conducting ether, already in disrepute, even more unnecessary since light as bullets could travel indefinitely through empty space.

From Time Magazine Archive