Compton effect

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.

Compton effect

/ 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

Compton effect

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Compton effect¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Compton effect¹

C20: named after Arthur Holly Compton (1892–1962), US physicist