Compton
Definition
Compton scattering is an interaction between photons and charged particles such as electrons. It involves a change in wavelength or frequency due to photon-electron collisions, providing evidence for both wave-like and particle-like properties of light.
Analogy
Imagine a game of billiards, where the cue ball represents a photon and the other balls represent electrons. When the cue ball collides with another ball, it transfers some of its energy and changes direction, just like how photons change their wavelength and direction after colliding with electrons.
Related terms
Scattering: The process in which particles or waves are deflected or redirected from their original path due to interactions.
Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave.
Frequency: The number of complete cycles (peaks or troughs) that occur in one second for a wave.
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