Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 27 - Early Quantum Theory and Models of the Atom - Questions - Page 797: 13

Answer

The Compton effect uses photons of higher energy than the photoelectric effect experiment which scatter from the surface. Lower energy photons in the photoelectric effect are absorbed by the surface.

Work Step by Step

The photoelectric effect experiment uses photons with only a few eV of energy apiece, and these photons are absorbed by the surface. The Compton effect experiment uses photons with much higher energy (typically in the x-ray frequency range), hundreds to thousands of times greater, with correspondingly smaller wavelength. These photons are scattered from the electrons in the material, and emerge with a shorter wavelength.
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