Compton effect
noun Physics.
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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Also called Comp·ton-De·bye effect [komp-tuhn-de-bahy]. /ˈkɒmp tən dɛˈbaɪ/.
Origin of Compton effect
First recorded in 1920–25; named after A. H. Compton
Words nearby Compton effect
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for Compton effect
Compton effect
/ (ˈkɒmptən) /
noun
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
Word Origin for Compton effect
C20: named after Arthur Holly Compton (1892–1962), US physicist
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for Compton effect
Compton effect
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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