Compton effect

noun, Physics.

the increase in wavelength of monochromatic, electromagnetic radiation, as a beam of photons or x-rays, when it is scattered by particles whose size is small compared to the wavelength of the radiation.

Also called Compton-Debye effect

[komp-tuh n-de-bahy] /ˈkɒmp tən dɛˈbaɪ/ (Show IPA).

Origin

1920-25; named after A. H. Compton

British Dictionary definitions for Compton effect

Compton effect

/ˈkɒmptən/

noun

a phenomenon in which a collision between a photon and a particle results in an increase in the kinetic energy of the particle and a corresponding increase in the wavelength of the photon

Word Origin

C20: named after Arthur Holly Compton (1892–1962), US physicist

Compton effect in Science

Compton effect
An increase in the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, especially of x-rays or gamma-rays, when the photons constituting the radiation collide with free electrons. As a result of the Compton effect, the photons transfer some of their energy to the electrons. It is mainly through the Compton effect that matter absorbs radiant energy.