Free Compton Scattering Calculator
Calculate the wavelength shift in Compton scattering: delta_lambda = (h / (m_e * c)) * (1 - cos(theta)).
deg
Wavelength Shift
0.000000000002426 m
Shift (pm)2.4263 pm
Wavelength Shift vs Scattering Angle
Compton Scattering
When a photon scatters off a free electron, its wavelength increases. The shift depends only on the scattering angle.
Formula
delta_lambda = lambda_C * (1 - cos theta)
where lambda_C = h / (m_e c) = 2.426 pm is the Compton wavelength of the electron.
Maximum shift (2 lambda_C = 4.85 pm) occurs at 180 degrees (backscattering).
Example Calculation
Photon scattered at 90 degrees.
- 01delta_lambda = lambda_C * (1 - cos 90)
- 02lambda_C = 6.626e-34 / (9.109e-31 * 2.998e8) = 2.426e-12 m
- 03cos(90) = 0
- 04delta_lambda = 2.426e-12 * (1 - 0) = 2.426 pm
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