What is the Compton effect and how does it support quantum theory?

The Compton effect is the scattering of X-rays by electrons, supporting the wave-particle duality of quantum theory.

The Compton effect is a phenomenon that occurs when X-rays are scattered by electrons. It was discovered by Arthur Compton in 1923 and provided strong evidence for the wave-particle duality of quantum theory. The effect can be explained by treating the X-rays as particles and the electrons as both particles and waves.

When an X-ray photon collides with an electron, it transfers some of its energy to the electron, causing it to recoil. The scattered X-ray photon has a longer wavelength and lower energy than the incident photon. This change in wavelength is known as the Compton shift and is proportional to the angle of scattering.

The Compton effect supports quantum theory by demonstrating that X-rays can behave both as waves and particles. The incident X-ray photon is treated as a particle, while the scattered photon is treated as a wave. The electron is also treated as both a particle and a wave, as it recoils from the collision and creates a diffraction pattern.

Overall, the Compton effect is an important demonstration of the wave-particle duality of quantum theory. It provides evidence for the idea that particles can behave like waves and vice versa, and helps to explain the behaviour of subatomic particles in a quantum mechanical framework.