When a photon is scattered, what is the increase in wavelength called?

1 Answer
Dec 16, 2016

The increase in wavelength is called the Compton effect..

Explanation:

Compton scattering is the scattering of a photon by a charged particle, usually an electron.

i.stack.imgur.com

The incoming photon gives part of its energy to the electron, so the scattered photon has lower energy.

Since

#E = hν = (hc)/λ#

the photon has lower frequency and longer wavelength.

Did you notice that the animation turned the yellow photon into a red photon (longer wavelength)?